“9 Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. 10 Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. 11 Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. 12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. 13 Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.” – Romans 12:9-13

Paul can stir the spirit to action like no other. Like a great father, when he was unhappy you felt shame. But when he wanted to get you motivated, he always had the right thing to say.

Paul was also quite clear in his writings. In Romans 12:9-13, you can practically restate each of these into bullet points for a slide show on proper behavior for anyone wishing to be a good person.

But written as a whole, one after another, Paul strengthens each into a prescription for the Christian Way. It reminds the reader how these simple truths makes for all the character one would ever need to succeed in life, and especially, in a Christian manner.

It’s easy to be put off by much of the writings in the bible because it’s not easy reading, causing fatigue and confusion. This is why Paul wrote concise instructions for getting it right for those unwilling or incapable of grasping the more meaty concepts.

Read the verse out loud to yourself. It is so simple. Do nothing more than what is prescribed here and you are more Christian than most.

God is not impressed by grandiose shenanigans, like singing praise music everywhere or acting like a silly Jesus Freak in people’s faces. God is impressed by men and women who’s inside tells the tale of their true intentions for good.

Ask yourself:

• “Is my love genuine?”
• “Am I honorable?”
• “Do I walk the walk?”

Genuine Christian living is simple. It is not complicated. Do the basics, whilst honoring God privately in all your actions. God will surly take notice and give thanks back to you.