Romans Rules for Love. - by Diana Elam

Love is a commitment to hard work. A true relationship is two imperfect people refusing to give up on each other.

All year long, but especially during February, consider Romans Rules for love.

The Apostle Paul gives us good advice on how to love one another in Romans 12:9-18.

• Love must be sincere.
• Cling to what is good.
• Be devoted to one another.
• Honor one another above yourselves.
• Never be lacking in zeal.
• Be joyful in hope.
• Be patient in affliction.
• Be faithful in prayer
• Share with God’s people who are in need.
• Practice hospitality.
• Bless those who persecute you.
• Rejoice with those who rejoice.
• Mourn with those who mourn.
• Live in harmony with one another.
• Do not be proud.
• Do not be conceited.
• Do not repay anyone evil for evil.
• Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody.
• As  far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone

When I look at that list, my first thought is that it’s telling me how I should treat my friends, or people in general. Love can be defined as “friendship that has caught fire.”
It is a quiet understanding, mutual confidence, sharing & forgiving. It is a loyalty through good & bad. It settles for less than perfection & makes allowances for human weaknesses.

If married, here are some questions to think about.
Do I love my spouse well?
Do I adore the person God has given me?
Am I admiring them as a child of God?
Am I appreciating them for who they are instead of what they could be if they lived up to my expectations?
Am I giving my heart freely or do I make him or her feel as though he or she constantly has to earn my love?

Prayer for Married People
Lord, it seems that sometimes I am more careful about loving my friends than I am my own spouse. Help me to show them kindness, respect, affection, and forgiveness.
Help me to remember that my marriage is the most important earthly relationship that I have. Bring to mind ways that I can show my spouse just how much I still love them.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.

Prayer for Single People
God of Love, I pray that I will love others well today. I pray that You will fill me with Your Holy Spirit so that I can overflow Your love to those around me. I know that loving
others is Your most important command. Help me to keep that foremost in my mind and actions this day.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen

Application
Either write out or print off the Roman rules. Carry this list with you and glance at them often. Check up on yourself several times and see how you’re doing!