Romans 12:9-15

The human body is a unique composition of systems and parts that all act independently of one another, but are unified to accomplish the same goal. From heads, shoulders, knees and toes, to arteries and cells, God created an amazing thing when He formed man from the dust and clay of the earth. Our brain alone makes the most advanced computers look like mere childsplay. Although the human body is capable of doing many things like self-healing, processing loads of information in moments, and exhibiting exceptional physical ability, none of those awesome things can work without the presence of blood. Blood is the single most important component of the body. Blood has a number of functions that are central to survival, including supplying oxygen to cells and tissues, providing essential nutrients to cells, such as amino acids, fatty acids, and glucose, removing waste materials, such as carbon dioxide, urea, and lactic acid, protecting the body from infection and foreign bodies through the white blood cells, transporting hormones from one part of the body to another, and transmitting messages, and completing important processes. Another important function of the blood is, its protective action against disease. White blood cells defend the body against infections, foreign materials, and abnormal cells. Without blood keeping the body primed and functioning, we would all be a big pile of lifeless bodies.

Just as the natural body is 100 percent dependent upon blood to function, the body of Christ would be useless and ineffective if love is absent from its members. The body of Christ is fitly joined together with countless members, all having unique gifts, talents, and abilities granted by God. Some are profound and impactful teachers, while others make an impact with their helps or healing. No matter what gift a believer has been blessed with, he can only function properly in it when operating in love. We’ve been commanded to love our neighbors, our enemies, and those who treat us unfairly, but we must not forget to always extend genuine love to our brothers and sisters in Christ. Together, believers make up the body, and it’s critical to the effectiveness of our faith and profession that we treat each other with the love of God. It’s evident that we are living in the last and evil days, and wickedness is spreading even in churches, but that doesn’t excuse Christians from continuing to love each other.

As children of God, we are to let love be without dissimulation. That simply means we are to never mask or disguise our love toward others, but should always present the real thing. There are people who actually cover ill motives and intentions with the word, love. For example, a young boy will tell a gullible girl he loves her, and all that mushy gushy stuff, but only for the chance to take advantage of her sexually. Or, how many modern-day preachers will convince an audience the only way to prove their love for God is in how much money they put in the offering basket. That’s not love at all, but deception.

Saints are to be kindly affectioned to one another, and be sensitive so as not to pass judgment on men, but to help them when necessary. When we love others, we are rendering our due service to the Lord, and God honors our deeds because we do them to give glory to His name, and not to our own. It matters not who lacks the true understanding of what love really is, but what does matter is how you live in such a way that love is seen by others through your deeds and actions.

Walk in love,

Ell