Romans 12:9

Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good ~ Romans 12:9

 

We continue to build upon the verse of the day before as we talk about love for our brothers and sisters, and for all humankind. We must re-center our hearts in the world in which we live so that the words of Paul enter today’s world with the brotherly and sisterly love of which he taught. Peter too, in his letter in 2 Peter 1:7 states this fact that we are to add to brotherly kindness the charity of benevolence. This love must be what is translated as sincere love, which means it is without hypocrisy, and not found in words which are meaningless, but are actions which are recorded. This means we cannot be friendly with some people while bringing oppression to another person. This is what it is to be “looking good” in the views of some persons, whereas our heart is divided when it comes to whom we will be kind toward when they are not around. We are instead to turn away in hatred from that which is evil. These are strong words, but necessary. We are to turn away from unkindness and instead exhort love in the direction of all people! Our affection must be in line with our actions and we must practice what is good, whether we are in our home or in public. What we must learn is how to be a good hater – that is, to hate what is a crime toward society, to hate what oppresses, abuses, uses, and that which creates suffering and sorrow to another human being. If we could only learn this…only in Jesus.  

Pastor Julia 
image: Leighann Blackwood

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