Romans 12:9 13 tells us, "Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13 Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality." The human tendency is to be self and thing oriented. God calls us to be God and other oriented. The focus of this portion of Scripture seems to be on loving sincerely. Love is a choice, something that one does, often a lot of hard and sometimes unrewarding work. Being devoted to one another speaks of faithfulness and commitment a seeking the best for a brother or sister even when you feel that you should have had the reward or recognition. We are called upon to work at being Spiritually "Hot" in our relationship to God. To be joyful in hope is to be joyful in what hasn't arrived yet Such things as being patient in affliction, faithful in prayer, sharing, and practicing hospitality are far too much if we do it in our own strength. Vital is the maintaining of a "hot" relationship with God. He must be the focal point. Seek first the kingdom ... the rest will follow.

Living in Focus