Love in Action - Romans 12:16

This week’s passage sounds a bit like a “Go in peace” send-off. As with previous directives, this will come more easily to some than to others. Sometimes, living in harmony with others means choosing NOT to pick a fight, practicing deference, or letting something go. Sometimes, it means prioritizing a relationship over the need to be right.

Paul follows this up with “Do not be proud,” almost as if to suggest that pridefulness is the antithesis of harmonious living. He expounds on this further, encouraging his listeners to “be willing to associate with people of low position.”

The very nature of harmony indicates the presence of things that are different by design. What is harmony without the melody? When we regularly surround ourselves with others who aren’t exactly like us, we will be better able to show love and empathy to strangers we encounter because it is our practice.

Paul rounds out this verse by reiterating “Do not be conceited.” In other words, don’t think more highly of yourself than you should. (Remember, if Jesus, who being in the very nature God, didn’t think himself too great a sacrifice on our behalf, we really have no business puffing ourselves up.)

When we keep our ego in check and love others with humility the way Jesus did, we are practicing love in action.

PS—Want to keep this verse with you all week long? Take a screenshot of the image above (or download it) to use as your lock screen!