Words from Zach: Love in Action
Love is more than a feeling—it’s a way of life. Real love shows up. It speaks, it moves, it sacrifices. And it always points us back to the example of Christ.
In Romans 12:9-21, Paul lays out a powerful, practical description of what Christian love should look like. He begins with this: “Love must be sincere.” That means love isn’t just a word we say—it’s a life we live. Sincere love isn’t fake. It doesn’t hide behind polite smiles or shallow words. It shows up when it’s inconvenient. Sometimes it costs us time, sometimes money, sometimes deep emotional investment. But always—it requires action.
Do you really love others? Do you really love God? Look at the fruit in your life. Jesus said in Matthew 7:16, “By their fruit you will recognize them.” What’s growing out of your heart—love, joy, peace, patience? Or judgment, bitterness, selfishness? Love will be visible in how we treat people, especially when it’s hard.
Paul goes on to say in Romans 12:10, “Honor one another above yourselves.” We can honor others through our words—like encouraging someone who did a great job or thanking a boss who leads with integrity. But we also honor others with our love—because they are made in the image of God. Every person you see today is someone God values. That alone makes them worthy of your respect and kindness.
Verses 17-21 of Romans 12 are like a blueprint for Christian living. Paul says, “Do not repay anyone evil for evil.” Instead, “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.” That’s radical love. It doesn’t mean we excuse sin—but like Christ, we love in the middle of it. Grace doesn’t say, “You were right.” Grace says, “I see your wrong, and I choose to forgive.” That’s what Jesus did for us.
1 John 4:8 says it plainly: “Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.” God’s very nature is love. If He lives in us, then love should pour out of us.
And Jesus? He raised the bar. In Matthew 5:43-48, He said: “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” Anyone can love those who are easy to love. But Christ-like love steps into hard places. It loves when it’s not returned. It serves without applause. It forgives when it hurts. That’s the kind of love that sets believers apart.
When asked what the greatest commandment was, Jesus didn’t hesitate. In Mark 12:28-31, He replied:
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.”
And, “Love your neighbor as yourself.”
He added, “There is no commandment greater than these.”
So, when you’re unsure about what to say or do, ask yourself this: What would best show love for God? What would best show love for others?
It’s easy to say we love Jesus. But the real test is in our willingness to serve Him. To love the unlovable. To forgive the unforgivable. To show up for someone when no one else will.
So again I ask—do you really love God and others? Let your life answer that question. You’ll know by the fruit. And God sees the attitude of your heart.
Let’s be people who love sincerely—just like Jesus