Our scripture this morning is Romans 12:9-11 (NLT).
Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically.
Paul writes to encourage our faith working through love. Love is not just something we have, it is something we do. In his letter to the Corinthians he says “Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love” (1 Corinthians 13:13). Love is the fuel that powers our discipleship.
The idea of “pretend love” is a human trait, used to get what we want. Paul warns against this kind of connection where something is expected in return. That’s not the love Christ commanded we give each other. We are to love without reservation, not seeking gain from the relationship, but sharing the blessing we have received because God loved us first.
We seem to have lost the concept of honoring each other, instead we try to make ourselves look better by demeaning others. This is completely contrary to God’s law and His love for all His children. We are called to love “with genuine affection”, as Jesus taught and showed us.
Loving Lord, we are sorry for our manipulation of the love You have given us. Forgive us and bless us to go into the world that all may know Your love. Amen.
