Romans 12:9–21  “Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”

This is quite a list of “dos” and “don’ts.” The things on this list would go a long way in easing the plight of the less fortunate all around us. Our world would be a better place if we would follow these guidelines. They all make sense and are good things to do.

But let’s be clear on what this list is and what it is not. This is not a “how to get into heaven” to-do list. You can’t earn that yourself. Rather, this is a list of things to do because you know you are going to heaven. You are going there because of what God did for you in sending Jesus. God loved the world so much that He sent Jesus to be our Savior, and everyone who believes in Him gets the benefit of what He accomplished. His love – our response.

In case you missed it, Paul frames our response to God’s love in terms of love: “Love must be sincere…be devoted to one another in brotherly love.”  He warns us not to be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

When I was in Youth Group many years ago, a popular then-contemporary Christian song had the refrain “They’ll Know We Are Christians By Our Love.” Will they know that about you by the way you are living?