Read: Romans 12:9-21

Last Sunday, Pastor Jason preached from Romans 12:3-8 on how the gospel restores a right relationship with ourselves and with the church by freeing us from self-reliance and compelling us to use our gifts. This week, Pastor Ken will preach from Romans 12:9-21, pointing us to authentic and active love, even in the midst of persecution. As you prepare your heart this week to gather for the Lord’s Day, let this reflection from A Gospel Primer for Christians spur your heart toward a more gospel-centered, genuine love.

Heart Preparation

When my mind is fixed on the gospel, I have ample stimulation to show God’s love to other people. For I am always willing to show love to others when I am freshly mindful of the love that God has shown me. Also, the gospel gives me the wherewithal to give forgiving grace to those who have wronged me, for it reminds me daily of the forgiving grace that God is showing me.

Doing good and showing love to those who have wronged me is always the opposite of what my sinful flesh wants me to do. Nonetheless, when I remind myself of my sins against God and of His forgiving and generous grace toward me, I give the gospel an opportunity to reshape my perspective and to put me in a frame of mind wherein I actually desire to give this same grace to those who have wronged me.

“Stimulated to Love Others,” in A Gospel Primer for Christians

Song List for Sunday
1. “Hosanna,” arr. by Christy Nockels
2. “Man of Sorrows,” by Hillsong Live
3. “Every Knee Shall Bow,” by Crosspoint Music
4. “Holy Spirit,” by Keith and Kristyn Getty