Ulterior motives cause us to honor our bosses so they'll reward us, our employees so they'll work harder, the wealthy so they'll contribute to our cause, and the powerful so they'll use their power for and not against us.

In this passage, Paul urges us to honor people on a different basis—because they're created in God's image, because they're our brothers and sisters in Christ, and because they have a unique contribution to make to His church.

1. What makes affection genuine (vv. 9-10)?



2. What makes it phony?



3. In what practical ways (v. 13) did Paul suggest first-century believers could care for each other?



4. What suggestions could you add to fit the twenty-first century?



5. What attitudes does Paul commend (vv. 15-16) for living in harmony with other believers?



6. What part of living in peace with everyone (vv. 17-18) can you influence?



7. What part depends on the other person?

Ask God for genuine love that will motivate you to make the concentrated effort that real personal involvement demands.

⁹Don't just pretend that you love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Stand on the side of the good. ¹⁰Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.

¹¹Never be lazy in your work, but serve the Lord enthusiastically. ¹²Be glad for all God is planning for you. Be patient in trouble, and always be prayerful.

¹³When God's children are in need, be the one to help them out. And get into the habit of inviting guests home for dinner or, if they need lodging, for the night. ¹⁴If people persecute you because you are a Christian, don't curse them; pray that God will bless them.

¹⁵When others are happy, be happy with them. If they are sad, share their sorrow. ¹⁶Live in harmony with each other. Don't try to act important, but enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don't think you know it all!

¹⁷Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. ¹⁸Do your part to live in peace with everyone, as much as possible.

Prayer for the Week

Give me the love it takes, Lord Jesus, to live in harmony with the people You died for.

				Try an Issue of Men of Integrity Free! Name Street Address City/State/Zip E-mail Address No credit card required. Please allow 4-6 weeks for delivery. Offer valid in U.S. only. Click here for International orders. If you decide you want to keep Men of Integrity coming, honor your invoice for just $19.95 and receive five more issues, a full year in all. If not, simply write "cancel" across the invoice and return it. The trial issue is yours to keep, regardless. Give Men of Integrity as a gift Buy 1 gift subscription, get 1 FREE!

FREE Newsletter Sign up for the Men of Integrity Newsletter    RSS Feed   RSS Help