By Elaine Baldwin| @elainehbaldwin

Devote yourself to others.

Romans 12:10-13 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor; not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer, contributing to the needs of the saints, practicing hospitality.

Love and “self” do not go together either. When all you love is you, that’s all you get…you. And you know what? You are not so great to hang out with…alone.

Devotion to others isn’t easy. Look at the list in the opening verses.

Devoted love puts others’ needs, wants, & desires before their own. (Give Preference)

Devoted love never gives up, doesn’t get tired and is persistent. (Diligence)

Devoted love exhausts itself in service to others. (Fervent in Spirit)

Devoted love’s foundation is our love and service for Jesus Christ. (Serving the Lord)

Devoted love is full of joy, hope, grace and mercy for others. (Rejoicing in hope)

Devoted love stays while others flee when trouble comes. (Preserving in Tribulation)

Devoted love has sore knees. (Devoted to pray)

Devoted love is generous and lavish toward others. (Contributing to the Saints)

Devoted love welcomes others into their space. (Practicing Hospitality)

Biblical love, both agapeo and phileo, requires action unto others.

Love that is shut up in the heart is inept. Love that is closed in the mind is vain. And love that is trapped in the soul is dead.

But love expressed…love exposed…love exclaimed can change the very course of human history.

David would not have escaped Saul’s clutches without Jonathan’s love in action (I Samuel 20:30-42).

The Messianic line would not have been complete if Ruth’s love for Naomi had not been expressed (Ruth 1:16-17).

And the world would not have a Savior if Jesus had kept His love only for Himself (Hebrews 12:2)

Ready to change the world? How can you love today?

Photo By: Margaret Richards/richards and company art & photography