Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality. (Romans 12:9-13)
Abhor: a word stronger than hate. We are told to love and "cleave" to what is good and to abhor what is evil. We are to be kind to one another. We are told not to be lazy and to serve the Lord. We are to rejoice in hope, patient in troubles and to keep on praying. Wow. Those verses tell us very specifically what it is that is expected of us.
Whether you choose to believe it or not, there are people wandering around on this planet that are pure evil. Their thoughts are only of how to get over on the next person and how to amass a greater fortune by price gouging, embezzlement, some even by stealing. They think only of themselves and no one else. They do not know the meaning of the word compassion.
Our Lord reminds us, that we can be all of that and more if we fall into the traps the enemy lays before us. We can become slaves to our "wants and desires". No, it is not wrong to want more than we have - it's human. It becomes a problem when we take what is not ours from someone else without permission, without proper reimbursement. It becomes a problem when we receive a gift and offer no gratitude for being offered it in the first place.
To be given the gift of eternal life is the most precious of all gifts offered. It is greater than the new car, the fine house, the "toys" or the big bank account. It is an everlasting treasure. Some will receive it, some will not - and not because it wasn't offered to them, simply because they refused to accept it. Accept Jesus into your heart now. Ask Him to help you to grow in heavenly wealth, not earthly things. Pray through His name, no one else's. Walk with Him daily, speak to Him often (through prayer) and live as He lived. He gave His life for you, dedicate your life to Him.
