Surprise Opportunity & a Romans 12 Challenge

This past week I was brewing and drinking a lot of coffee with family. We hosted 19 of my family, representing 5 different states, to enjoy Thanksgiving with us. It was a unique honor & blessing to have them all come to our new home in CT. Now, while I tend to relax around family, who has known me for years, I was surprised by the opportunities that present themselves to demonstrate and share the love of Christ. It may be simple hospitality, or doing something thoughtfully for someone else. It may be a timely word of encouragement or even a chance to be "truthful" with love and grace (gotta love those).

This season, we will likely have a chance to be around family, friends, co-workers, etc.. God will present you with opportunities to show and share the love of Christ. Honestly, some of these opportunities are going to be complicated and messy – such is life. And in some cases, your attempts will be ignored or rejected altogether. Regardless, I want to give you a Romans 12 challenge, with the understanding that it is Christ who works in us and through us.

Here is the Romans 12 challenge: First, read Romans 12:9-21 and make a list of all the ways that we demonstrate genuine love. Second, pray for an awareness of people and opportunities to show His love this season. Third, go forth and do this, not just with easy situations or people, but go after the hard ones. Finally, pay attention to what God does and tell someone about it(I would love the feedback!). Have a wonderful season…go and fill it with the love of Christ, who came down to demonstrate his great love in the midst of a very complicated and messy world.

Romans 12:9-10 9 Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. 10 Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.

Grateful that He Came
Pastor Chad
December 2010