Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’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 everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
—Romans 12:9-21

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The Love Revealed
By Jennifer Kane

In a town where the lilies and lanterns did gleam,
Lived Lucy the Lovely—a warm-hearted dream.
She smiled like the sunrise, so gentle, so sweet,
Her words full of blessing to all she would meet.

“If ever you’re hurting,” she said with a sigh,
“I’ll pray for you, darling—just give me a cry.”
But help was a thing that would wait on her mood,
If her heart wasn’t stirred, then she’d quietly brood.

Next door lived a man, quiet Steve, called the Stoic,
With brows ever furrowed and gestures heroic.
He seldom spoke much, no flair did he bring,
But served with his hands and the strength of his wing.

He’d labor in silence, tend gardens and ground,
While others made noise, he made love truly sound.
He gave without asking, forgave without gain,
And walked out his love through the sunshine and rain.

Then came a tempest, fierce wind and loud crack—
The village lay broken, the sky painted black.
Lucy stood still with a tear in her eye,
“I’ll pray,” she said softly, “but I don’t feel spry.”

She waited for fire, for passion to glow,
But the warmth in her heart just refused now to show.
So back to her hearth, with a candle she crept,
While over the rooftops the cold thunder wept.

Yet Steve, without trembling, rose early that day,
With hammer and hope he stepped into the fray.
He lifted the fallen, repaired every wall,
And carried the weak who no longer could crawl.

No anthem he sang, no reward did he seek,
His love was not loud, but persistent and meek.
He blessed those who cursed him, repaid not in kind,
But offered up mercy with heart and with mind.

When the storm passed and silence did fall,
The village came out and gathered them all.
“Where was true love when the sky split the air?”
It was Steve with the splinters and mud in his hair.

For love that is real does not wait to be moved,
But clings to the good and by action is proved.
While feelings may flutter and sweet words may shine,
Love rooted in duty is truly divine.

~~~~~

Scripture: Romans 12:9-21

While reading this passage in Romans I thought of two allegorical characters, one outwardly lovely and the other outwardly stoic but show how their action love is what made their hearts known. I called them Lucy and Steve because I wanted alliteration.

In the poem, Lovely Lucy shines outwardly with cheerful words and tender feelings, but her love hesitates—waiting for emotion before action. In contrast, Stoic Steve may seem indifferent, but he practices genuine love by serving others without waiting to be emotionally stirred. He mirrors the kind of love described in Romans 12: a love that is active, humble, and persistent, even without emotional fanfare.

We often associate love with feelings—affection, warmth, and emotional connection. But the Bible teaches that true love is not measured by emotion but by action. Romans 12 is not a list of suggestions; it’s a blueprint for how love behaves:
Love abhors evil and clings to good (v.9)
Love is devoted, patient, and generous (vv.10–13)
Love blesses enemies and overcomes evil with good (vv.14–21)

God doesn’t call us to wait until we “feel led” to forgive, serve, or show hospitality. He calls us to choose love daily, trusting that obedience will often lead our hearts, not the other way around.

In moments when you don’t feel love, but choose to serve anyway, you’re practicing agape—the sacrificial, Christ-like love that transforms lives and communities.

Who in your life needs active love from you—not just words or prayers, but help? Is there someone who could use a meal, a ride, a note, or your time?

Have you been waiting to “feel” loving before acting? Ask God to give you courage to love in action first and trust your heart will follow.

God often trains us in love through daily obedience—small tasks, unseen kindness, quiet service. Love without emotional overtures can still be fierce, faithful, and full of God’s power. Like Stoic Steve, you may be misunderstood or overlooked—but your acts of love are eternal seeds, sown in the soil of God’s will.

~~~~~

Father God, thank you for teaching me to love not just in word or emotion, but in truth and deed. Help me serve even when I feel dry, and let Your Spirit move through my obedience. Let my actions be the proof of my love for you and for others. In youur name, Jesus I pray, amen.

June 4, 2025