Romans 12:9 (NAS)
Let
love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good.
Romans 12:9 (NIVUS)
Love
must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.
Many in today's world have a misconceived idea
of what love really is, believing that love is conditional. Even
Christian believers are confused at times. A common thought pattern
of our society is "I will love you as long as you are making me
happy." However, if someone fails
to meet expectations, then "we are out of there."
The love that Almighty God gives
you is the type of love that He expects you to show to others. Although
affection is a part of love, the emotional side of love is not the most
important aspect. God's love gives kindness and mercy to even those who
do not deserve it. The warm feelings that you have toward someone,
although valid in themselves, do no prove your love.
Being good to others, as a
deliberate act of your will, is the best proof that you love someone. Even as
God gave His Son Jesus to the world to show His love, sometimes you must give
what is the best and most precious, including your time, your resources,
or your own wishes and desires. Also you should not reserve your love
for only those with whom you have close relationships, but you should express
love for the welfare of friend or stranger alike. Your expressions should
be sincere, unfeigned, and without pretense.
Anything that is evil or hurtful
to others is totally contrary to God's character. The Bible says that as
He is so are you in this world. Therefore, you cannot walk in love with
others if you are behaving viciously or maliciously. Anything that causes
grief or harm to another does not originate from God. You should abhor,
detest, and hate such things. In fact, to even think on anything evil or
wicked should cause you to shudder.
On the other hand, you should
hold fast and stick like glue to anything that is good and beneficial to
others. If you have it within your power to help someone, you should do
so without delay. Being good and kind to others should be your habitual
practice.
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