Public Love

Passage

Romans 12:9-21

Sermon Summary

Christians should be known for their love, both in private and in public. In Romans 12, this love is characterized by humility, hospitality and hope. Loving our "enemies," including our political enemies, is impossible without the Gospel of Jesus.

Discussion Questions

1. What stood out or stuck with you from the sermon?
2. Do you have conversations about politics with people you might disagree with? Why or why not?
3. How can you tell when you are being genuinely humble with your politicsl views—or merely being "nice"?
4. Why is "emotional hospitality" (rejoicing with those who rejoice and weeping with those who weep) so hard?
5. Consider a political disagreement you have with someone in your life. How can you "go low" with vulnerability rather than attack?
6. If the cross was a political loss, how does that help you to bear political losses?

Resources Consulted:

• Africa Bible Commentary, ed. Tokunboh Adeyemo
• True to Our Native Land, ed. Bryan K. Blount
• The New Testament in Color, ed. Esau McCauley
• Paul for Everyone, NT Wright
• Exclusion and Embrace, Miroslav Volf

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