“Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good…rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer.” Romans 12:9&12

The beautiful fall colors are shining in the sunlight!

The Apostle Paul wrote letters to people who had become followers of Jesus. He told them how to live their lives like Jesus; like God wants them to live. In the verse above, he was writing to the people in the Christian church in Rome.

These are Paul’s instructions for the people in the Roman church and for us today! Love others, not just with words, but with actions, things you do can help people know that God and Jesus love them, and that you do, too.

Paul also says, dislike bad, or evil, things and hold on to what is good. He says to be joyful in our hope of Jesus. Be patient when we have troubles (because the Bible tells us that things will eventually turn out like God has planned). And continue to pray to God and Jesus. Praying is really just talking with God and Jesus. They want to hear everything you tell them. They want to be close to you and They want you to be close to Them.

This week I want you to try to do one thing from each part of Paul’s instructions for living like Jesus.

Love in action:   help someone with a problem, show kindness, be friendly, give encouragement

Hold on to good:  think of all your blessings from God, read about Jesus in the Bible, tell others how good Jesus is to you

Joyful in hope:   smile when you talk to people, laugh as you enjoy being with others, be happy as you think about heaven

Patient in troubles:  wait for God’s solution, read God’s word, thank God for His path for you

Continue to pray:  tell God when you’re worried, ask Jesus to take care of you or others, speak to God or Jesus about what is important to you

Ask your mom and dad to help you keep track of each action you take to live more like Jesus. I am so proud of each of you for trying to live closer to Jesus by trying to be more like Him.

Blessings as you shine the light of Jesus for others to see!