Thoughts on Being a True Friend (Lover)

Romans 12:9-21 (paraphrased)

9		Let your love be honest and pure and real Hate evil . . . be repulsed by it Hold on to what is good and pure and right
10		Be devoted to one another in love, be committed, hang in there Be more concerned for others than for yourself . . . give preference to one another, hold one another up in honor
11		Don't get side-tracked, remember your priorities Stay focused on the Lord and on the Spirit
12		Rejoice in hope, celebrate with the expectation of victory Persevere in tribulation, let tough times strengthen you Be devoted to prayer, pray constantly and expectantly
13		Use your resources to help each other within the family of Christ, take care of each other Practice hospitality, share the fellowship of your home
14		Bless those who attack you and ridicule you Bless and do not curse, meet hostility with patience and kindness
15		Rejoice with others in their times of rejoicing Weep and mourn with them in their times of suffering and struggle Be involved in their lives
16		Consider yourself on the same level with others, don't be condescending Don't be arrogant, but associate with the humble and the needy Be humble, don't consider yourself wise Don't be a respecter of persons, show respect to everyone
17		Never return evil for evil or harsh words for harsh words Respect what is right, don't do wrong simply because wrong is done to you
18		To the best of your ability, be at peace with all men
19		Never seek revenge, never seek to pay back evil for evil Leave vengeance to the Lord, if there is evil to account for, He will settle the account
20		Be kind and gracious to your enemy . . . it will blow him away
21		Don't be overwhelmed by evil, don't let it destroy you Overcome evil with good