Romans 12:9-10
Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor.
Sometimes it’s nice just to be told what to do. Rules and suggestions usually come in a couple of forms: do’s and don’ts. I think don’ts can be nice because they give you a lot of freedom. As long as you don’t such-and-such and you don’t stay out past 10, then have fun! Freedom is nice sometimes, but some situations are complicated. Relationships, especially, can be complicated. So, while don’ts in a relationship can be helpful, I think everyone is glad for family and teachers who teach us what we should do when talking with our neighbors. Do say “please.” Do say “thank you.” Do show love and respect.
Still, it can be hard to put these things into practice all the time. When I am relating to people who are kind and loving, it’s pretty easy to return that affection. But, when I have to deal with an impossible, disrespectful, or unkind person – that is when I have to consciously remember the do’s that I have learned from my family, teachers, and the Apostle Paul. Let love be genuine … hold fast to what is good … outdo one another in showing honor.
John Lofgren
Visit http://www.allsaintspalatine.org for a full calendar and join us Wednesday for midweek Lenten worship. Dinner is served at 6:15 and worship (Holden Evening Prayer) is at 7 pm. This week's faith-sharer is Ed Garner.
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