Love Without Pretending

My dear son,

Let the kind words you offer today carry your honest affection, too. I hope you will spend less energy trying to look impressive and more time treating the people beside you as precious. Love does not need a performance to make itself known.

Listen to what someone you love needs, and share what you have. A warm greeting or a place made for someone at your table can express your care beautifully.

I want to share with you the joy of choosing what is good. When you have to wait, talk with me. When you are glad, laugh freely. Begin this day with your hope resting in me.

With all my love,
Your Father

Romans 12:9–13

WEB

9Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor that which is evil. Cling to that which is good.
10In love of the brothers be tenderly affectionate to one another; in honor prefer one another,
11not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord,
12rejoicing in hope, enduring in troubles, continuing steadfastly in prayer,
13contributing to the needs of the saints, and given to hospitality.

A short reflection

Paul calls believers to sincere love, mutual honor, diligence, hope, patience, prayer, generosity, and hospitality.

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