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Sincere Love

While preparing for the Heritage tours across Australia last week, I came across some archive photographs. This one was taken in 1981 just after Kerrie and I were married. My 1966 Ford pickup and my 1972 Honda 750/4 were my pride possessions. A few years later my truck was stolen, never to be seen again. I remember being challenged to forgive those who had done this. It was hard at the time but I do know that when we hold on to unforgiveness it becomes a bitter seed in our spirit. It hinders our ability to give, to grow and to live by faith. These words from Paul inspire me.

“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honour one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervour, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone”. Romans 12: 9 - 18

How can we have sincere love if we hold all kinds of hidden anger and unforgiveness towards others? This is one of the great tests of life. Paul knew what he was writing about when he penned these words. In his pursuit of righteousness and the law he had become a persecutor of those seeking to follow Christ. He had caused death, poverty and great pain to many people… but ironically, once he came to a full revelation of God’s love, forgiveness and grace through knowing Christ, he in turn became a despised outcast to the religion and culture he had once believed so fervently. In the winter of AD 56 while in the city of Corinth Paul sent a letter to the believers in the city of Rome. He had never been there and longed to go. But the spirit of all he had learned about “sincere love” was sent in a humble letter that speaks to you and me today.

“Lord help our love to be sincere, help us to forgive those who cause loss or pain in our lives. Help us to bless them and be at peace with them, knowing that you are far greater than any difficult situation we find ourselves in. Thank you Jesus for your love, your sacrifice, your victory and your way of doing things! ” Amen.

Godspeed,

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Pictured: Steve, Kerrie and Betsy (The Ford) and Bike

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