LOVE MUST BE SINCERE

Romans 12:9-21 / Keywords 12:9

Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.

 

 Love in Action

12:9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13 Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position.[c] Do not be conceited.

17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,”[d] says the Lord. 20 On the contrary:

“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;

    if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.

In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”[e]

21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Footnotes

c. Romans 12:16 Or willing to do menial work

d. Romans 12:19 Deut. 32:35

e. Romans 12:20 Prov. 25:21,22

1. Paul starts this passage saying love must be sincere. What love is most sincere? The love of God who sent his son Jesus is most sincere. The love of Jesus, who died on the cross for our sin, is most sincere. We now must practice the love of Jesus for others. We should love others. Some of the practical application mentioned are to practice hospitality and bless those who persecute you. Sometimes our Bible students do not respond to our calls, even after studying with us and being served for many years. We should still love them with the love of Jesus. In this world, the barrier of race, ethnicity, culture, wealth, and social status all divide people. It is hard to love one another. But Jesus loved us and died on the cross for our sins while we were still sinners.

 

2. Paul also says, "Hate what is evil." Hating the devil’s work and what is evil is important and crucial. We need to actively cut off and hate evil. Otherwise, the devil can easily make room in our heart. Before we know it, we may be already following the plan and scheme of evil. Only when we hate what is evil can we cut off the devil’s influence from our lives.

 

Prayer Lord, please help us to practice the love of Jesus he had shown on the cross. Help us to actively fight against evil and hate evil so we may not fall into temptation.

One Word Love must be sincere, hate what is evil