The headlines scream with the news of another shooting. The picture of a man accused of molesting a kid flashes across the news followed by another accused of rape. You raise your eyebrows at a political ad in support of abortion. ISIS flutters across your mind. A man stands at the intersection you pass every day. He’s holding a sign that says, “Repent or burn in hell.” On the other corner a homeless woman begs for money.
“Let your love be sincere…” –Romans 12:9
In the midst of the horrific actions of people stirring up too many negative emotions to count, we have the words of Paul resounding, “Let your love be sincere...”
Or maybe you don’t hear that because you didn’t know he said it. Well, I guess now you do and if you’re really passionate about sharing in the life of Jesus and looking more and more like Him, it’s going to be hard to ignore.
I think one of the most impacting things about this exhortation from Paul is the reverse. If Paul is telling us to let our love be sincere then there is love that is completely insincere.
I think there are many attributes of insincere love and no doubt you’ve come across many of them as you’ve walked through life. You might even be guilty of them. I know I am.
But the one I’d like to focus on is the tendency we have to elevate ourselves above others. It’s almost automatic sometimes. For many, those mentioned in the first paragraph are scum and deserve only our disdain.
I chose those examples because they are very polarizing but it doesn’t have to be any of them. It could be a boss, coworker, family member, friend, or anyone else. The point is that we instantly determine we are better than them and pass judgment accordingly.
But listen to what Paul says:
“…do not be haughty (snobbish, high-minded, exclusive), but readily adjust yourself to [people, things] and give yourselves to humble tasks. Never overestimate yourself or be wise in your own conceits.” –Romans 12:16 emphasis added
Love serves. It is humble. It is not self-seeking, proud, or easily provoked. It thinks no evil. It is kind. We must adjust ourselves to people because that’s where love is. Love is not above commanding, it’s on its knees serving. As we elevate ourselves we lift right out of sincere love and into a place that looks less like Jesus and very much like the world.
We are called to be a different kind of people who represent a different kind of kingdom. One where sincere love reigns from a king who washes feet that have stepped in the worst kind of filth. It’s because He loves us. It’s because He adores us.
I don’t know what it looks like to love the ones you instantly elevate over. But I think the first step is stepping off the high ground and seeing them the way Jesus does. Next time you see a provoking figure try asking, God what do you think about that person? You may be surprised at what you hear.
Blessings,
Jesse and Kara Birkey
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Jesse and Kara Birkey are committed lovers of Jesus who seek to show others the extraordinary life of Jesus is available for everyone. They have authored two books, been featured in films and seek to serve the Lord in whatever ways they can. Follow their blog here.
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Get a sneak preview of Jesse’s upcoming fiction, Finding Home.
Life Resurrected, Extraordinary Miracles through Ordinary People has been endorsed by Sid Roth and Mark Virkler and is a collection of inspiring stories making it clear that the extraordinary life of Jesus is available to all who love Him. It’s also the testimony of Jesse’s life, the road he travelled bringing him into the arms of Jesus. Get the paperback here. Get the Kindle Version Here. View the trailer here.
Marriage What’s the Point? One couple finds meaning in a crazy mess is the story of their marriage—The tragedy and the restoration. They bear their hearts in an attempt to get others to bear theirs and finally receive the freedom they’ve longed for. Get the paperback here. Get the Kindle Version Here.
Jesse is also featured in the film DeadRaiser, a movie shining the spotlight on resurrection testimonies across the nation. Find more information here.
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