Momentum For Monday, February 21st 2022

“Don’t just pretend that you love others: really love them…” (Romans 12:9a)

What does sincere love look like to you? Mind you, this wasn’t written to husbands and wives, but to a church, a body of believers. So. let’s expand our thinking of context and revisit the question- what does sincere love look like? As followers of Christ, like Paul, how do we exhibit sincere love?

I had a mentor when I was younger that created atmospheres of love. Her ministry and the majority of those she poured into, left a tangible feeling of love any time you were in their presence or communicating with them. She would never leave the church until every person that wanted to speak to her had the chance. Teenagers would lay on the ground and nap until it was their turn in line (and this was normal church service nights). And yes, she was also a very loyal and successful wife and mother that nurtured a successful family (just in case you were wondering).

Let me be clear, she didn’t gain respect and a good reputation without cost. For every person she championed, she had a story about heartbreak from another. And she was often accused of being fake in her motives from those who didn’t know her. However, this never deterred her from her purpose, calling, or obedience to God.

To do what Paul commanded and Christ did, being sincere in love, will probably cost you. You will probably get broken. You will probably be accused of ulterior motives. But we cannot allow that to hold us back from obedience. The commandment to love wasn’t formed out of emotions, but necessity. Love is commanded because love is needed to be present in dark places.

So what does sincere love look like? Forgiveness. Reaching out. Putting yourself last. Looking foolish so someone else can look important. Encouraging. Listening longer than desired. Being uncomfortable so others can feel comfort. We will need to love in ways that we’d want to be loved and considered in our own communities.

“Our teaching about this journey is intended to bring us to a single destination—a place where self-giving love reigns from a pure heart, a clean conscience, and a genuine faith.”

(1 Timothy 1:5)