What does real Christian love look like in the complexity of everyday life? In this message from Romans 12:9–13, we explore how love that is shaped by the mercy of God is more than mere politeness or outward niceness. Genuine Christian love is authentic in heart—it refuses to pretend and is rooted in God’s transforming love. It’s selfless in action—taking delight in honouring others, flipping the honour-seeking culture of the ancient Roman world and our modern world on its head. And it is steadfast in hardship—remaining patient, prayerful, and open-hearted even in suffering, rejection, and disappointment.

We’ll look at powerful biblical examples and historical stories—from the bold love of Jesus, to the lives of John Owen and Richard Baxter, to Jean Vanier’s legacy of honouring the overlooked. Whether you’re feeling crushed by pain or just needing a deeper vision of love, this message will point you back to the God whose faithful love is both the pattern and power for ours. Listen in to be reminded that Christian love is not a performance—it’s a miracle of grace lived out in the messiness of real life. Romans 12:9-13

How do we respond to this passage? Let's dive into it together.

Revelation 20:11-15

1 Corinthians 15:35-52 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 John 3:3-8 Hebrews 10:15-25 2 Corinthians 5:14-19 Luke 9:23-27 Jude 8-9 Acts 19:11-16 Matthew 7:21-23 2 Corinthians 10:3-6

In this message, we explore how spiritual gifts, while vital for the church’s flourishing, must be exercised with deep humility and in close community. Paul begins Romans 12 not with a call to action but with a warning: “Don’t think you are better than you really are.” Before serving with our gifts, we need to examine our hearts. Gifts are not achievements, but grace-gifts from God. The church is a body, not a platform, and pride can quickly distort even the most powerful gifts — as illustrated in the tragic fall of Mark Driscoll and Mars Hill Church. Each gift, whether prophecy, service, teaching, or encouragement, is given “for doing certain things well” — not everything — reminding us that we need one another and must discern our callings in mutual dependence. Romans 12:3-8