In a world that seems to be growing colder and more divided, the call to love—true, sacrificial love—has never been more urgent. We see people hurting, relationships strained, and communities broken. Yet, as followers of Christ, we are called to embody a love that transcends the norms of society, a love that is patient, kind, and unwavering. In Romans 12:9-11, the Apostle Paul gives us a blueprint for how we are to live out love in a world desperately in need of it. This is not a passive, feel-good love; it is an active, compelling force that flows from our relationship with God.
As we focus on the virtue of love in this season of spiritual growth, we are invited to deepen our understanding and practice of love as both an inward transformation and an outward expression. Let us explore how we can live out this love—unfeigned, fervent, and compassionate—through the example Paul sets before us.
Scriptural Reflection
Let’s take a moment to reflect on Romans 12:9-11 (NASB):
“Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor; not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord.”
Paul’s words in this passage are both a command and a guide for how we are to love one another. He begins by urging us to let love be without hypocrisy—in other words, love must be sincere, free of pretense or hidden motives. Our love for others should reflect the genuine love Christ has for us.
Next, Paul emphasizes that love is not just about feelings, but it must be linked to action. Abhor what is evil and cling to what is good shows us that love compels us to choose what is righteous, to stand against evil, and to promote goodness and justice. Love cannot coexist with apathy or indifference to sin or injustice. True love aligns itself with the heart of God, who desires righteousness for all His creation.
Be devoted to one another in brotherly love speaks to the deep, familial bond we should share as believers. The word used here implies loyalty, care, and a commitment to one another’s well-being. Our love should not be distant or detached but full of warmth and solidarity.
Paul goes on to say give preference to one another in honor—a call to prioritize others’ needs and show respect. Our love is to be humble, not selfish. And in all of this, love should be fervent in spirit, serving the Lord. This fervency means a passion that burns brightly, not a lukewarm or half-hearted commitment. Our love for one another is not just for their benefit, but as an offering to God, serving Him through our actions.
Practical Application
How do we live out this kind of radical love in our everyday lives? Paul’s instructions in Romans 12:9-11 offer us several practical steps to cultivate a love that is deep, transformative, and rooted in Christ.
1. Sincere Love Without Hypocrisy: The first action step Paul gives is to love without hypocrisy. This is a call to examine our hearts and ensure that our love is not just for show or motivated by selfish gain. Sincere love is consistent and transparent, not fluctuating with our feelings or circumstances.
Practical Step: This week, take time to reflect on your relationships—whether with family, friends, or fellow believers—and ask yourself: “Am I truly loving them as Christ loves me, or is there any pretense in my actions?” Love with authenticity and without hidden motives. This might mean having difficult conversations or even admitting when you’ve fallen short in your relationships.
Scenario Example: Imagine a conflict with a friend or family member where tensions have been high. Instead of continuing to ignore the issue or pretending everything is okay, approach the situation with sincerity and humility, acknowledging your part and seeking reconciliation. Let your love be genuine, without any agenda, and be open to healing through Christ.
2. Abhor Evil, Cling to What is Good: Love requires us to stand firm on what is right and pure. It means rejecting evil in all its forms—whether it’s hatred, division, or injustice—and actively choosing what is good in God’s sight.
Practical Step: As you go about your week, be intentional about choosing goodness over evil. Whether you’re confronted with a difficult situation or witness something unjust, commit to responding with integrity and love. Choose kindness over criticism, patience over frustration, and forgiveness over bitterness.
Scenario Example: Suppose you hear gossip or harmful words spoken about someone. Instead of participating, you choose to stand for what is good by speaking words of affirmation or redirecting the conversation in a positive direction. This simple choice reflects the love that abhors evil and clings to what is good.
3. Serving One Another with Fervent Spirit: Love isn’t just a feeling—it’s a commitment to action. Paul encourages us to be fervent in spirit, serving the Lord. This means loving with passion and purpose, never lagging behind in our diligence.
Practical Step: Serving one another should be a daily, intentional practice. How can you serve others with a heart of love this week? Look for opportunities to go above and beyond to meet someone’s needs, whether through physical service, encouragement, or prayer.
Scenario Example: A neighbor is going through a tough time, and you notice they need help with yard work or childcare. Instead of waiting for them to ask, take the initiative to serve them in love. Doing this not only meets a practical need but also demonstrates the fervent spirit of Christ’s love.
Encouragement to Stay Rooted
We live in a culture that values convenience and comfort, and it can be easy to neglect the call to love sacrificially. Sometimes, we may feel like our efforts go unnoticed or that showing love is too difficult, especially in challenging relationships. But remember, love is not based on what we get in return; it’s an offering of obedience to God.
When we remain rooted in Christ, our love flows naturally from the wellspring of His grace. Though it may be hard at times, we can trust that God is faithful to empower us to love as He has loved us. The key is to stay connected to the vine—Jesus—who gives us the strength to love when we feel weak and the courage to love when it feels risky.
As we reflect on Romans 12:9-11, we see that love is both a command and a gift. It is a virtue that requires intentionality, action, and a deep dependence on God. Let us strive to live out love in all its forms—love that is sincere, love that stands against evil, and love that serves others with passion. As we cultivate this love, we will be rooted deeper in our faith and our witness to the world will shine brighter.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for the incredible love You’ve shown us through Your Son, Jesus Christ. Help us to love others as You have loved us—without hypocrisy, fervently, and with a heart of service. Teach us to abhor evil and cling to what is good, reflecting Your righteousness in our daily lives. Empower us by Your Holy Spirit to serve with love, and let our love be a testimony to those around us. In Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen.