Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
These words from Romans 12:9-21 should define us this year. After reading this passage, I decided to research the definition of the words "darling" & "companion" just for the sake of understanding what this community stands for. I found the following:
Darling: Beloved.
Companion: Partner; friend.
I believe God is calling us to be the beloved friends to the sick, the hurting & the lost. How many of us are willing to built friendships with those who have done us wrong? How willing are we to love them? Jesus said that we would be known by our love (John 13:35) and I'm waiting for they day this promise is proclaimed all around. We must start to pray through these words and begin to live them. When we start living them, changes will take place & others will follow our example. Let us be challenged, convicted and pierced by these words! Let the Holy Spirit renew our minds and modify our attitudes as we seek to be beloved partners for the same cause.
This blog exists to remind us that we are called to be beloved friends, darling companions known by their love.
Will you be a Darling Companion?
Amen...& just what I needed to hear to shift my perspective back on the One who calls me nearer to Himself, & farther away from *myself*.
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