Transformed Relationships in the Family of God (Part2)
Steve Hartman on Romans 12: 9-16
Fourth Sermon in the Series Transformed Relationships
As we continue our series on Romans 12 and transformation, we pick up where we left off in last week's consideration of having transformed relationships within the church. The heart of the matter is that we should expect to be growing in love for one another: but what does that growing love look like?
In his book, The Four Loves, C.S. Lewis noted that the specific kind of love Paul talks about in verse 10 (the Greek term storge) unites those who "most emphatically, even comically, are not 'made for each other.'" Rather, he says, "storge exists between people who, if they had not found themselves in the same household or community, would have had nothing to do with each other.”
Our scripture gives a recipe for that kind of love, and we'll look together at the ingredients of those kinds of transforming relationships within the family of God.
9 Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. 10 Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. 11 Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. 12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. 13 Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. 14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight.