And they’ll know we are Christians, by our love, by our love!
Yes, they’ll know we are Christians, by our love. (Peter Scholtes, 1966)
What does a living sacrifice life look like? It is a life lived in grace. It is a life poured out for others. It is a life that uses the gifts and talents that God has given us, to bring glory to the Lord and service to others. It is a life that humbly seeks to do God’s will and relies on His grace to continue the the transforming work He began in us, when we surrendered ourselves to His Lordship.
Paul closes out chapter twelve of Romans with an inventory of what a living sacrifice life should look like.
- Love is to be sincere and active [the real thing—without guile and hypocrisy].
- Hate what is evil [detest all ungodliness, do not tolerate wickedness].
- Hold on tightly to what is good.
- Be devoted to one another with [authentic] brotherly affection [as members of one family].
- Give preference to one another in honor.
- Never lagging behind in diligence; aglow in the Spirit, enthusiastically serving the Lord.
- Constantly rejoicing in hope [because of our confidence in Christ], steadfast and patient in distress, devoted to prayer [continually seeking wisdom, guidance, and strength].
- Contributing to the needs of God’s people, pursuing [the practice of] hospitality.
- Bless those who persecute you [who cause you harm or hardship]; bless and do not curse [them].
- Rejoice with those who rejoice [sharing others’ joy], and weep with those who weep [sharing others’ grief].
- Live in harmony with one another.
- Do not be haughty [conceited, self-important, exclusive], but associate with humble people [those with a realistic self-view]. Do not overestimate yourself.
- Never repay anyone evil for evil. Take thought for what is right and gracious and proper in the sight of everyone.
- If possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
- Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave the way open for God’s wrath [and His judicial righteousness]; for it is written [in Scripture], “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord.
- But if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for by doing this you will heap burning coals on his head.”
- Do not be overcome and conquered by evil, but overcome evil with good.
(Romans 12:9-21, The Amplified Version)
Jesus was asked what the greatest commandment was and His response, in a nutshell, was to love God and love others. Paul shows us what that looks like in Romans 12 and in Micah 6:8, we are told: “The Lord has told you what is good. He has told you what he wants from you: Do what is right to other people. Love being kind to others. And live humbly, trusting your God,” (International Children’s Bible).
A living sacrifice life is not lived out legalistically, making a list a checking it twice, but rather one that is being transformed daily by God, focused on doing His will, living in His grace, and allowing His love to be poured into the lives He has put in our spheres of influence. It is not a life of perfection, but one that is being perfected as we daily surrender to God.