A RECIPE FOR CHURCHES

A RECIPE FOR CHURCHES
Tuesday, April 21, 2026 by LINDA WOOD RONDEAU

Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

Romans 12:10-13 NIV

If ever there were a recipe for harmony among believers, the above fits the bill.

First, be devoted to each other in love.

If one is devoted, one is concerned to the point of absorption. One dotes and considers the needs of the one to whom he is devoted above his own needs.

What would churches be like if we were truly devoted to one another? If we were so absorbed with the needs of the others within the body, Satan would have no room to attack. Without devotion, there is room for division and judgment.

Secondly, honor one another above ourselves

Webster's first definition of honor is reputation. When we honor someone, we esteem that individual as someone with a good reputation. When we talk to outsiders from our church family, do we denigrate individuals who irritate us? Do we picture people within our congregation in a negative way?

Never be lacking in zeal

How do you describe the fellowship in the church you attend? If our fellowship brings us joy, the same joy should spill over when we talk to others about our church. Our countenance and body language should reflect our enthusiasm.

Be joyful in hope

When a member of your church family is in pain or is suffering, how do you show encouragement for them? At the least, with a verbal acknowledgment of your prayers on their behalf. And when you say you'll pray for them, follow through. Write the need on a piece of paper that you'll see frequently to recall their request and bring it to the Lord.

Sometimes a simple smile will convey your concern and give hope.

Patient in affliction

The way in which we endure our own difficulties will impact the church body. Our patience in our personal trials can generate hope within the body for many others. Our sisters and brothers in the Lord will see they are not alone in dealing with difficult circumstances.

Faithful in prayer

Do you pray regularly for your church and the individuals who attend? Do you uplift your leaders in frequent prayer? The prayer of just one individual can accomplish much. How much more when the church prays collectively for the needs within the body?

Share with those in need

An adage is, "You can never outgive God." Some people use this as an excuse not to share. "Well, God knows that person's need, so I don't have to give." Our sharing with those in need may be physical rather than financial.

Sometimes a hug can make all the difference.

Sometimes we fail to give because we are unaware of a need. Join the church prayer chain. Keep an attentive ear. Sometimes we just need to ask, "What can I do to help?"

Practice hospitality

Invite a new attendee over for coffee or a meal. My brother's church often met for a meal after church. When someone new came, the church paid for their meal. Fellowship within the body is crucial. The foundation of learning to love someone is getting to know them and appreciating their strengths.

These are only a few suggestions we can put the words of Romans 12:10-13 into practice.

Oh, for love that rises to this level of love in the church.

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