“Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellow man has fulfilled the law.” Romans 13:8

The Do’s and Don’ts of Love

While reading the Word this morning I came across a passage that could be called the “Do’s and Don’ts of Love.*” Being a “what’s the bottom line?” kind of person, I like to make lists to come to a final conclusion, so here it goes:

The Do’s of Love  

  • Hate what is evil
  • Cling to what is good
  • Be devoted to one another in brotherly love
  • Honor one another above yourselves
  • Keep your spiritual fervor serving the Lord
  • Be joyful in hope
  • Be patient in affliction (difficult)
  • Be faithful in prayer
  • Share with God’s people who are in need
  • Practice hospitality
  • Bless those who persecute you (difficult)
  • Rejoice with those who rejoice
  • Mourn with those who mourn
  • Live in harmony with one another
  • Live at peace with everyone

The Don’ts of Love

  • Do not be proud
  • Do not be conceited
  • Do not repay anyone evil for evil
  • Do not take revenge

So what’s the bottom line?

“A new command I give you: love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another” (John 13:34).

“Heavenly Father, please help me to do the “Do’s of Love.” Put a check in my spirit when I am tempted to do the “Don’ts of Love.” I can’t love if I don’t first have Your love in me, so fill me with Your love today. Fill me until it is a good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over. In the name of my precious Jesus, Amen.”

*Romans 12:9-21