Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. (Rom. 12:10)

YOU CAN SAY ANYTHING YOU WANT TO on your smart screen—that you love me, wish me well, think I have a beautiful family, admire my home, or that you’re praying for the requests I post. And that’s good. Who doesn’t want a supportive social network? With the distances that separate our families, the blessing of social media is immense.

But Christ’s family, the Church, is called to be more than a Facebook community. The early church didn’t have the technology we have, but they did face many of the same distractions from their faith—affluence in the culture, a focus on present pleasure, and a society that embraced pagan philosophy. Amid such pressure, it’s easy to forget to engage with other believers. So, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, the apostle Paul gave a list of actions by which the people of God can show their love for one another.

Love sincerely—give only honest affirmation.

Hate evil; cling to good—refuse gossip.

Be devoted—remain loyal.

Honor one another—let others have their preferences if possible.

Keep spiritual fervor—be energetic in God’s service.

Be joyful, patient, and faithful—filter your moods through His grace.

Sure, it takes more work than typing a few words on a keyboard, but the rewards of doing life with a true community of faith are not easily deleted.

Choose an action from Paul’s list, and do it today.

Valorie Quesenberry is a pastor’s wife, mother, author, speaker and editor of a publication for Christian women. She has a passion to communicate biblical truth concerning today’s issues.

© 2018 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission.