First Is Third (F.I.T.)
SCRIPTURE: Romans 12:9-21 
Read the passage
BIO: My name is John Ginder. I have lived in Florida for the last four years and I have been a member of the church for the last three years. I am a Native Texan, and graduate of the Virginia Military Institute and Texas A&M. I love watching football, especially the best conference in the country, the Big 12. I also enjoy spending time with friends, and doing anything outdoors.
KEY VERSE: Romans 12:9-10 "Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourself."
CENTRAL TRUTH: As Christians we are called to Love, not only God, but everyone we encounter.
DEVOTIONAL: First Is Third (F.I.T.)
During College, I worked at the Incomparable Camp Ozark in Mt. Ida, AR. At camp our mission statement was “To Finish First in the Race of life you must put God first, others second and your self Third” (F.I.T.) and in reading Romans 12: 9-21 that is exactly how Paul has called us to live.
In vs. 9, Paul calls us to love with sincerity. This genuine love is not just for God, but also for each other, actors need not apply. Sincere love is all-inclusive, and should be shared with everyone, even those the world marks as unlovable and undeserving.
In verse 13, we are called to share Gods love to all we encounter, especially fellow believers. We all can agree that living with God’s love in our hearts, in community with each other, while sharing that love with each other, is an easy task to follow, but Paul does not stop there. In verse 14, Paul states that we should share that love with those who persecute you. Really, God I am being nice to everyone who is nice to me, surely, we do not have to be nice to guy in the corner office, or the person that cut me off on I-4. As we continue reading however, this is exactly how Paul is telling us to live.
In vs. 17 Paul states that we should not repay evil with evil, this is a continuance of the principal in verse 14. Our mission in life is not to get even with those that have injured us; God is the judge and the avenger. Our mission is to share God’s love with each other and all those we encounter. If we are to be successful in spreading His word, we must be without reproach. Christian conduct should never be counter to the gospel or it will create even larger stumbling blocks for unbelievers. Just as child learns to speak from its parents, unbelievers learn of Gods love through believers. What have you taught them today?
QUESTION 1: When someone wrongs you, is your first response one of Love or of anger? If it is of anger, what can you do to help change your natural response to be one of love?
QUESTION 2: Have you shared God’s love with someone today? Have you witnessed God’s love being shared today?
QUESTION 3: Do you live a F.I.T. life? (Do you put God First, others second, and yourself third?)
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