Love Must Be Sincere, Hate What Is Evil, Cling To What Is Good

ROMANS 12:9-13
“Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality.
”‭‭Romans‬ ‭12:9-13‬ ‭NKJV‬
‬https://www.bible.com/114/rom.12.9-13.nkj

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Many believers do not know how to speak kindly to others; to be courteous and diplomatic, to use words that avoid hurting their feelings, and show an interest in them.
Some are skilled at pretending to show compassion when we hear of their troubles or needs, or to become indignant when we learn of injustice. But God calls us to a genuine selfless love, that is caring and unconditional-a love that goes far beyond nice words, or being pleasant and polite.
Genuine love is not hypocritical, nor judgmental, based on truth, and requires effort; it is a decision of real genuine care toward others without the expectation of something in return.
This kind of love comes from the Holy Spirit within us, it is the first fruit of the Spirit (GALATIANS 5:22), and requires cooperation; the decision to live by the leading of the Holy Spirit in total submission, rather than of the flesh (self) (GALATIANS 5:16-26).
It is this selfless caring attitude that separates us from the world; it is the decision to love that allows Christ to shine through us and attract others to Him; it this kind of love that saves souls and gives us peace.
Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. We love Him because He first loved us.”
‭‭I John‬ ‭4:17-19‬ ‭NKJV‬‬
Love is the very foundation of Jesus’ way of life; He said, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.””
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭22‬:‭37‬-‭40‬ ‭NKJV‬‬
It is not difficult to understand that if everyone was obedient to these two great commandments, this world would quickly become a better place to live.
The Pharisees didn’t really understand what Jesus was saying, so He added clarity by telling them, ““You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet your brethren only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax collectors do so? Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭43‬-‭48‬ ‭NKJV‬‬
To love our enemies goes against our natural human inclinations, and is only possible through Christ, for we humans can only love because He loved us first (1 JOHN 4:18).
This kind of love is a duty of care toward all people imposed upon every believer as a part of their walk with Christ, and is the very foundation of the Christian way of life.
Therefore, “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion. Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. Therefore “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭12‬:‭14‬-‭21‬ NKJV
All glory to God forever and ever! Amen.
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