Love, that’s what this life is all about according to Romans 12:9-10. Everything in our lives is nourished, replenished by love. The following two verses give six guidelines for love. They are not all there is to love, but they are a sampling of the way in which love is to be shown.

“…not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer.” [Romans 12:11-12 NKJV]

Number 1: “Not lagging in diligence.” Whatever form our love takes, it is to be energized, active, zealous. The life of the believer isn’t one of “lying about,” it is one of action and commitment.

Number 2: “Fervent in spirit.” That is how the New Testament described Apollos. Fervent means “burning.”  We are not to be lukewarm in our desire to show God’s love.

Number 3: “Serving the Lord.” The word for serving in the Greek is from the word for slave. We are willing slaves, servants to the Lord Jesus Christ. We have given ourselves over to Him without restrain, in complete abandonment, to bring His love to all.

Number 4: “In hope, rejoicing.” We have a sure hope, not wishful thinking. Our hope is centered in Christ, who is our spiritual anchor. It is sure and it is secure, fully trustworthy, so we rejoice.

Number 5: “In tribulation, patient.” How can we be patient during tribulation and trouble?  Because our hope is secure, we can remain steadfast amid even the most trying of times.

Number 6: “In prayer, persevering.”  Handling every situation immediately by taking it to our God.