To the Ends of the Earth: Witness – Week 9, Day 4 – Real Brotherly Love Anticipates Needs and Serves with Mutual Honor

Mark C. McCann | 03/27/2025

Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; love one another with brotherly affection; outdo one another in showing honor. Never flag in zeal, be aglow with the Spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in your hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality.

Romans 12:9–13

Paul always encouraged believers to complete their faith through action. Some Christians refer to this as “application” to the message from the word. In truth, the message and our response are all one beautiful reality. Our attitude of love and sincerity and our steadfast devotion to God’s purposes will spill out into acts of love which bless others and build up the Body of Christ. These two realities are inseparable.

As we live out the word through our actions in fellowship with other believers, we bring honor to the Church and to the name of Jesus. Our lived application of God’s love becomes a part of who we are and becomes a powerful sign to the world of the power of Christ to change broken lives and bring unity to his people.

Questions for reflection

How has living the Gospel helped you to anticipate and respond to the needs of others?

In what ways are you being transformed into the image of Christ as you follow him?

Which action from the above passage do you need to practice most in your life right now?

Praying with Scripture

And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works. (Heb 10:24)

You can learn more about the To the Ends of the Earth Series HERE

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About the Author

Mark C. McCann

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Mark C. McCann is an author and Ministry Consultant with more than 30 years of writing and ministry experience. He has published articles for a number of Catholic magazines and websites including St. Anthony Messenger, Emmanuel Magazine, Liguorian Magazine, Catholic Stand, the Connecticut Catholic Men's Conference, and Homiletic and Pastoral Review. He recently published the 4-volume Catholic men's devotional, To the Ends of the Earth, as well as the 2021 Advent Daybreaks devotional and 2022 Lenten Daybreaks devotional with Liguori Publishing. He has also released his End Times novel series, Jacob's Dream: The Vision and Jacob's Dream: The Final Battle. He was a radio host and producer for 8 years at a Connecticut Christian radio station and has worked as a Catholic religion teacher/campus minister and a parish youth minister. He has also served the Norwich, CT Diocese as a Youth Ministry Director and Family Life Director. He currently lives in Connecticut with his Proverbs 31 wife, where together they have brought up three incredible children. He strives each day to live out his call to be a man of words. You can learn more about Mark and his writing at www.wordsnvisions.com.