Empathy

A Loving Koinōnia

Romans 12 - A Loving Koinōnia
Dave Riddle - 10/6/19

Key Passage: Romans 12:9-16

koinōnia (Greek: κοινωνία) - fellowship, association, community, intimacy, joint participation (the share which one has in anything), communion. 

Sincerity

  • Romans 12:9

    • Let love be without hypocrisy

    • anypokritos (Greek: ἀνυπόκριτος) - originally used to refer to actors or one playing a part: unfeigned, undisguised, sincere.

Spiritual Sensitivity 

  • Romans 12:9

    • Detest evil

    • Cling to what is good

Affection

  • Romans 12:10

    • Love one another deeply.

    • Be devoted to one another

    • As brothers and sisters

Esteem

  • Romans 12:10

    • Outdo one another in showing honor.

    • Honor one another above yourselves.

Passion

  • Romans 12:11

    • Don’t be lazy, don’t lack zeal.

    • Be fervent - zeō (Greek: ζέω) - to be hot (boil, of liquids; or glow, of solids), i.e. (figuratively) be fervid (earnest):—be fervent.

Resolute

  • Romans 12:12

    • The picture of someone who is determined.

    • Hopefulness rather than hopelessness

Big Hearts

  • Romans 12:13

    • Share with the saints in their needs

    • Emotionally, spiritually, and practically!

Open Arms

  • Romans 12:13

    • Pursue hospitality

    • philoxenia (Greek: φιλοξενία) - love to strangers, hospitality

    • Not just waiting but actively looking for opportunities to show hospitality to strangers.

Unnatural and Unexpected 

  • Romans 12:14

    • Bless those who persecute you, bless and do not curse

Empathy

  • Romans 12:15

    • Rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep.

    • Not just sympathetic but empathic.

One Accord

  • Romans 12:16

    • Live in harmony with one another.

    • Of one mind.

Down to Earth

  • Romans 12:16

    • Associate with the humble.

Which one or two of these areas is the Holy Spirit highlighting in your own life?