Romans 12:9: Let love be without hypocrisy.
We even deceive ourselves into thinking we have love for people we neglect and, in fact, do not even like. Paul tells us that we must get beyond pretense—we must sincerely love. If we claim the commitment of Romans 12:1, 2, we must love without hypocrisy. This is not optional! The Scripture repeatedly sets this requirement before us. “Above all, love each other deeply” (1 Peter 4:8). “The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith” (1 Timothy 1:5). “All men will know that you are my disciples if you love one another” (John 13:35).
This is a call to honestly examine our own hearts, asking the question, “Do I love others, especially those in the Church, without hypocrisy?” If the answer is uncertain, we must go to God in prayer, because the Holy Spirit is the only One who can pour love into and through our hearts (5:5). 1
Application
- What is meant by the statement: “I love you, but I don’t have to like you?” How do you love someone when you believe they do not deserve to be loved, because of the hurt they caused you or others?
- What does hypocritical love look like? What does sincere love look like? How can you purify your heart from becoming rooted in bitterness?
Prayer
Lord, help me to know You and the greatness of Your love. Without Your love, it is impossible for me to love anyone.
1. Hughes, R. K. (1991). Romans: righteousness from heaven. Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books.