Love (by Jacob)

A few weeks ago I gave my children a challenge to write a short devo about a character trait.  I told them I would use their devo as a blog post in the up-coming weeks.  Jacob chose the trait of "Love".

LOVE

by Jacob, age 12

Romans 12:9-21 says, 

"Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.

Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord. On the contrary: 

"If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head." Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." 

If you do this you'll be successful in life.  Love is the greatest as 1 Corinthians 13:13 tells us:  "And now these three remain:  faith, hope, and love.  But the greatest of these is love."


*** The end***


You know?  I just counted 26 commands in that passage Jacob used...Romans 12:9-21....and I might have missed a few!  I think Jacob is right.  If we could just be self-controlled and loving enough to just do those 26 things, we would be successful in life.  We would certainly be shining like stars, wouldn't we?


Thank you, Jacob.