Sermon: “Therefore, Love”
Scripture: Romans 12: 9-13, 17-21
Speaker: Pastor Matt Overman

Scripture for Study and Reflection:

Discussion Questions:
 Read Romans 12: 9. In 1 John 3:18, we are reminded not to love “with words or
speech but with actions and in truth.” What does genuine, action-filled love look
like in your daily life?

 In Romans 12: 9b, Paul tells us to cling to what is good. Philippians 4: 8 encourages
us to think on what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and admirable. How do these
verses challenge us to train our minds to cling to what is good in a world that often
highlights evil?

 Read Romans 12: 10. Jesus said, “By this everyone will know you are my disciples, if
you love one another” (John 13: 35). How does loving one another as family
strengthen our witness to the world?

 Paul urges in Romans 12: 11,
“Never be lacking in zeal” Colossians 3:23 tells us,
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord.” What
does it mean to serve God passionately? How do we keep that zeal alive without
burning out?

 Romans 12: 12 reminds us, “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”
James 1: 2–4 calls us to consider trials as joy because they produce perseverance.
How have hope, patience, and prayer shaped your response to difficulties in your
life?

Romans 12: 14 says, “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.” Jesus
echoes this in Matthew 5: 44,
“Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute
you.” What might blessing and praying for enemies look like in real situations today?

 Romans 12: 16, 18 calls us to live in harmony and peace. Ephesians 4: 2–3 urges us
to be humble, gentle, and patient, “making every effort to keep the unity of the
Spirit.” What are some ways we can live in harmony, even when we disagree?

 In Romans 12: 17, 19,
“Do not repay anyone evil for evil… but leave room for God’s
wrath.” Deuteronomy 32: 35 reminds us that God says, “It is mine to avenge; I will
repay.” Why is it so tempting to take revenge? What changes when we trust God
to be the judge?

 The prophet Micah 6: 8 calls us to “act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with
God.” What does overcoming evil with good look like in practical, everyday terms?

Romans 5: 8 declares, “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” How does
remembering God’s love for us while we were still sinners help us live out Paul’s
teaching in Romans 12: 9–21 to love family, friends, strangers, and even enemies?


Prayer for the week:
Lord of love, let my love be genuine this week. Teach me to cling to what is good, to
rejoice and to weep with others, to bless even my enemies, and to overcome evil with
good. Fill me with Your Spirit so that my words and actions reflect the love of Christ in
all I do. Amen.