NEW PASSAGE Romans 12:9-21 NKJV
9 Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. 10 Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; 11 not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; 12 rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; 13 distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality. 14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. 16 Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion. 17 Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. 18 If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. 19 Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. 20 Therefore “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Verse
"Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good." Romans 12:9
Teaching
Love should not be pretentious. Genuine love does not perform affection while hiding selfish intent. Paul joins sincere love with moral clarity: we must reject evil and hold tightly to good. Love is not proved by agreeing with everything, avoiding difficult truth, or presenting a pleasant image. Love seeks another person's real good in a way consistent with God's character. Examine the distance between your words and your motives. Are you being kind to gain control, generous to be noticed, or silent to preserve approval? Rudeness can easily be dressed up as tough love. Let today's care be free from manipulation, and let any necessary truth be spoken with humility.
Quote
"Let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth."
- The Apostle John (1 John 3:18)
Instruction
Choose one expression of love today. Remove any hidden demand for praise, control, or repayment, and do the good sincerely.
