God’s Way Is Love 神的道路就是爱
Dexu Xia
Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Romans 12:13
Today's Scripture Romans 12:9-16
Today's Insights A pattern found in several of Paul’s church letters (see Ephesians and Colossians) is that he teaches a section of doctrine followed by a section of practical application and response. In Romans, the doctrinal teaching is found in chapters 1-11, with practical response dominating chapters 12-16. The key transition point is the word therefore in 12:1: “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.” Paul is saying that because of the love and grace God has demonstrated for us as described in chapters 1-11, we can have the heart response described in chapters 12-16. As one pastor said, “What we believe must influence and impact how we behave as God’s ambassadors.” God’s love for us enables us to pour out His love on others
Today's Devotional With extra time on my hands, my plan for the coming months centered on serving people as much as I could. But while helping a new friend, I tripped and fell and broke my arm in three places. Suddenly I was the one in need. God’s people cared for me with visits, gift cards, flowers, phone calls, texts, prayers, meals (and even a box of chocolates), and by running errands. I couldn’t believe how kind my family, friends, and fellow church members were! It was as if God were saying, “Sit down. You need help. You’ll see what caring looks like.” Because of them, I know more about serving from the heart and feeling grateful to God for others.
Fellow believers eagerly helped me in the ways Paul instructed the church members living in Rome to follow (Romans 12). He encouraged them in many ways, including to love sincerely, to be devoted to one another in love, to honor others, and to share with those in need (vv. 9-13). Paul taught them doctrine throughout his letter. But he also shared that life in Christ isn’t abstract theology—it’s shown in our practical daily living (chs. 12-16). God’s way is love. Receiving and then pouring out His love on others is one of many ways to express His love for us.
As we look for and find everyday ways to serve people in our churches or communities, they’ll be encouraged, we’ll be blessed, and God will be praised.
Reflect & Pray
Who needs your help this week? What will you do?
You’re kind beyond measure, God. Please help me to receive and give Your love to those around me. By Ann Cetas
与有需要的主的子民分享。罗马书 12:13
今日经文：罗马书 12章9-16节
今日洞见：在保罗的几封教会书信中（参见以弗所书和歌罗西书），一个常见的模式是，他先对一段教义进行解说，然后是一段实际应用和回应。在罗马书中，教义的教导集中在1-11章，而实际回应则主要集中在12-16章。关键转折点是12章1节中的“因此”一词：“所以，弟兄们，我以神的慈悲劝你们，将身体献上，当作活祭，是圣洁的，是神所喜悦的；你们如此事奉乃是理所当然的。”保罗的意思是，因着神在1-11章中向我们彰显的爱和恩典，我们才能得到12-16章中所描述的内心回应。正如一位牧师所说：“我们所相信的，必然会影响我们作为上帝使者的行为举止。” 上帝对我们的爱使我们能够将祂的爱倾注在他人身上。
今日灵修 因为我有充裕的时间，所以我计划在接下来几个月尽可能多服侍他人。但是，在帮助一位新朋友时，我绊倒了，胳膊摔断了三处。突然间，我成了需要帮助的人。上帝的子民们通过探望、礼品卡、鲜花、电话、短信、祷告、食物（甚至还有一盒巧克力）以及代我跑腿来关心我。我简直不敢相信我的家人、朋友和教会里的朋友们竟然如此仁慈！仿佛上帝在说：“坐下来，你需要帮助。你会明白关爱是什么样的。” 因为他们，我更加懂得如何发自内心地服侍他人，以及如何为他人向上帝感恩。信徒们热心地帮助我，就像保罗教导住在罗马的教会成员需要如此去做（罗马书12章）。他用许多方式鼓励他们，包括真诚的爱、彼此相爱、尊重他人以及帮助有需要的人（9-13节）。保罗在整封书信中教导他们对基督信仰的教义。但他也分享说，在基督里的生活并非抽象的神学，它体现在我们实际的日常生活中（12-16章）。上帝的道路就是爱。接受上帝的爱，并将上帝的爱倾注给他人，就是表达祂对我们爱的众多方式之一。 当我们在教会或社区中寻找，并找到服侍他人的日常方式时，他人会受到鼓励，我们会得到祝福，上帝也会得到颂赞。
反思与祷告 本周有谁需要你的帮助？你会为他做什么？ 上帝啊，你无比仁慈。请帮助我接受你的爱，并将你的爱传递给我周围的人。作者 安妮 塞塔斯