Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good.  Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.  Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord.  Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.  Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.

What a great summary of the Christian life.  It boils down to this:  Love one another.  And don’t give up.

There is no promise that things will come to fruition right away.  That is why we rejoice in hope.  Hope means things have not yet materialized.  But we are looking forward to and trusting for good things to come.

It does not mean things will be easy.  Or fast to be resolved.  That is why it says to be patient in trouble.

It does not mean that we won’t be discouraged in prayer.  That is why it encourages us to be constant in prayer.

Never stop loving one another.  When it is easy, great.  When it is hard, keep going.

It doesn’t mean don’t set boundaries with abusive people.  We’ll get into that next.  But it does say to never stop being active in love.