We lost a treasure in Dolly Parton- one who’s love was genuine – Romans 12: 9
Romans 12:9-21
Live in harmony
12:9 Let love be genuine; hate what is evil; hold fast to what is good;
12:10 Love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor.
12:11 Do not lag in zeal; be ardent in spirit; serve the Lord.
12:12 Rejoice in hope; be patient in afflictions, persevere in prayer.
12:13 Contribute to the needs of the saints; pursue hospitality to strangers.
12:14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them.
12:15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep.
12:16 Live in harmony with one another; do not be arrogant, but associate with the lowly; do not claim to be wiser than you are.
12:17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all.
12:18 If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.
12:19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine; I will repay, says the Lord.”
12:20 Instead, “if your enemies are hungry, feed them; if they are thirsty, give them something to drink, for by doing this you will heap burning coals on their heads.”
12:21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
We lost a treasure this week, Dolly Parton. Even if her music wasn’t your vibe, one cannot argue with her sincerity, kindness, joy and contributions to making the world a better place for all.
The Romans reading reminds me of how she lived her life – Let your love be genuine, hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good.
Gracious God,
We give you thanks for voices of hope and joy in our world—for people like Dolly Parton, whose life and music have reminded us of the power of love, generosity, kindness, and hope.
We need more models like her in our world: people who sing with love, who bring joy where there is sorrow, who offer hope where there is despair, and who remind us that goodness still matters.
So let us sing our hearts out about love—
your boundless love for us and our love for all that you have created.
Let our love be genuine.
Give us the courage to name the evil that creeps into our lives and our world. May we not fear it or turn away from it, but shine the light of truth and love upon it.
Help us to hold fast to what is good, especially when goodness seems to be slipping from our grasp.
As Paul calls us to do, teach us to live peaceably with one another and to overcome evil—not with more evil—but with good.
Dolly Parton has shown us something of what it means to live with harmony, generosity, joy, and hope. May we carry those gifts with us into our daily lives. May our lives, too, become a song of love and hope for others.
Gracious God, let us sing. Let us love. Let us hope. And let us overcome evil with good.
Amen.
