Genuine Love
Scripture Reading: Romans 12:9–21 (ESV)
9 Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good.
10 Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.
11 Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord.
12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.
13 Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.
14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them.
15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.
16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight.
17 Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all.
18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.
19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.”
20 To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.”
21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Paul gives a rapid-fire list of instructions for Christian living, centered on one theme: love must be genuine. True love not only clings to what is good but actively resists evil. It is warm toward fellow believers, honors others above self, and serves the Lord with fervor.
This love is tested in difficulty—persevering in hope, patience, and prayer. It reaches beyond the church to bless those who persecute us and to live at peace whenever possible. Even toward enemies, our calling is to meet their needs, not to repay wrong with wrong.
In a world quick to retaliate, God’s people are called to respond with good, overcoming evil by the power of love.
Prayer Points:
Ask God to purify your love so it is sincere and Christlike.
Pray for strength to bless those who oppose or mistreat you.
Ask God to help you be a peacemaker in every relationship.