July 30
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WHAT IT MEANS TO REALLY LOVE
A poem by ILMA
Don’t just pretend to love other, really love them
Hate what is wrong and hold tightly to what is righteous
Love each other with genuine affection and honor each other
Never be lazy but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically.
Rejoice in the confident hope, be patient in trouble, and keep on praying
When God’s people are in need, be ready to help all believers
Always be eager to practice hospitality and bless those who persecute you
Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them and be happy with them.
Weep with those who weep; live in harmony with each other
Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people
And don’t think you know it all or ponder you’re better than anyone
Never pay back evil with evil; do things in a way that’s honorable.
Do all that you can to live in peace with all people and don’t take revenge
Leave that to the righteous anger of God for he will do it for them
Instead feed even your enemies and by doing this you’ll be rewarded
Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.
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MEMORY VERSE
Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. – Romans 12:9
Read: Romans 12:9-21
Love is one of the most abused word in this world. In God’s economy, the word “love” is very different from how the world views it. It is not focused on “self” but more on others. It is genuine affection and generous hospitality to others. It is being with others and empathizing with what people are going through, whether happy or sad. It is treating even your enemy with respect.
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REFLECTION
• How do you view love and what are your challenges seeing it like God does?