Love: It's a Do Thing

"Being devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves."
        -Romans 12:10

How do we do that? What does that look like? A little while ago, we talked at school about who our neighbor is. I think by thinking in those terms, we can start to know how to apply these verses. When I think of applying these verses, I instantly picture my family or my sisters in Christ on the basketball team. But, these verses aren't only for the ones we already love. They don't say "Honor your family..." or "Being devoted to your Christian friends..." (although of course you should). I believe they're more open ended. They say, "one another." That's whoever you're around or could ever be around. It's anyone but yourself.

These verses call us to love our neighbor. When we start to see past ourselves and start looking at others as our brothers and sisters, it becomes a whole lot easier to honor and love them. It doesn't mean it will be easy- you still fight with your siblings. It does mean, however, that you'll be quicker to forgive, quicker to help, and quicker to encourage.

Sometimes you're going to really dislike someone. They'll get on your nerves; they'll do and say things that aggravate you and hurt you, but we're called to be devoted to them all the same. Just as you (hopefully) keep on loving that silly brother or annoying sister, you need to keep loving those around you. Keep actively loving your neighbor and pursuing those around you with Christ's love, because that's what love is: it's a do thing.