Love

“Love must be without hypocrisy.”

My reading this morning in the New Testament book of Romans 12:9-21 presented an amazing section on ethics, how we should live out the Christian life. There was a lot to think about and to be challenged on, as I searched my heart in regard to the verses.

The section begins with the verse above…love without hypocrisy. This is the key to successfully live out all of the points that follow through to the end of the chapter.  I considered those words: love, hypocrisy. So many people mention hypocrisy in those who claim to be followers of Christ as the big offense that turns them away from following God and His Son Jesus. So I must examine what aspect of hypocrisy may have crept into my love for others. I don’t want any bit of hypocrisy in my love; I do not want to be a cause of stumbling for another.

• Do I love some more than others? 
• Do I love others more when I feel appreciated?   
•  Do I withhold my love to punish someone?   
•  Do I love those who hate me?
• Do I love so I can gain something in return? 
• To whom have I been unloving?

Jesus truly loved without hypocrisy. He loved the poor and the rich, the outcast and the beggar and those who were sick and disfigured. He loved those who followed Him, and those who turned away from Him. He loved those who were sinners, and those who thought themselves to be righteous. He loved those who slandered and killed Him, as much as He loved His close disciples. 

"Love must be without hypocrisy."

 

Today I ask God to search my heart, to try me and to show me any inkling of hypocrisy in the way that I love others. Only then can I live out the ethics listed in Romans 12:9-21:

Love must be without hypocrisy. 

Detest evil; cling to what is good.  Show family affection to one another with brotherly love. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not lack diligence; be fervent in spirit; serve the Lord.  Rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; be persistent in prayer. Share with the saints in their needs; pursue hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep. Be in agreement with one another. Do not be proud; instead, associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own estimation. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Try to do what is honorable in 

everyone’s eyes. If possible, on your part, live at peace with everyone. Friends, do not avenge yourselves; instead, leave room for His wrath. For it is written: Vengeance belongs to Me; I will repay, says the Lord.  

But if your enemy is hungry, feed him. If he is thirsty, give him something to drink. For in so doing you will be heaping fiery coals on his head.

Do not be conquered by evil, but conquer evil with good.