Paul’s description of sincere love in Romans 12:9-13 is full and robust:
- Hate evil
- Cling to good
- Be devoted to one another
- Honor each other above yourselves
- Be zealous and fervent in serving the Lord
- Be joyful in hope
- Patient in affliction
- Faithful in prayer
- Share with those in need
- Practice hospitality
Prayer is the ongoing practice of shaping us into the people God intends for us to be while simultaneously resting in the reality that we are loved and already have a place at God’s table. Prayer is the mysterious place where we are accepted without condition and then stirred to step into an ever growing and changing version of ourselves that God calls us to. As you pray today, know that this list of sincere love is not the gate to God (remaining shut until all boxes are checked), it’s the goal of God (the things we move toward as we encounter God in prayer).
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About the Author
Isaac Gaff is the Managing Director of Worship and Creative Arts at Calvary UMC