Bible Reading Blog
“Let Love Be Genuine”
Categories: Congregational Bible ReadingBIBLE READING: Romans 12
“Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good.” (Romans 12.9)
Love it patient and kind. It is not jealous, and it does not brag. Love does not seek its own way. Love believes, hopes and endures all things. Love never fails (1 Corinthians 13.4-8, paraphrased). The attributes and actions of love are pure. There is nothing more powerful than genuine love. “For God so loved the world that he gave his only son…” (John 3.16). “God shows his own love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5.8). From God we learn that love transcends personal feelings and past hurts for the good of others. It is pursued and practiced.
Romans 12 reminds us that love is displayed in the context of others. As spiritual people, it dictates every area of our spiritual service: in serving, giving, teaching and leading (Romans 12.6-8). In Christ, it defines our attitude towards one another. Is there anything more critical than to operate with an attitude of love? “If I have not love… I am nothing [and] I gain nothing” (1 Corinthians 13.1-3).
In our church relationships, we must let love be genuine. We shouldn’t be motivated by rivalry, pride or any sort of agenda. We must be humble and kind, giving preference and consideration to one another (Romans 12.3-5; Philippians 2.1-4). We must speak the truth in love. We must appreciate the gifts of others and look for ways to build them up (Ephesians 4.15-16).
In our families, we must let love be genuine. Parents mustn’t wield authority in an oppressive way but with patience and longsuffering, as God does with his children (Ephesians 6.4). We must teach and train our families to know God with compassion and grace.
In our marriages, we must let love be genuine. We cannot set limits and boundaries on our kindness or service to one another. “Husbands love your wives as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her that he might sanctify her” (Ephesians 5.25-27). Wives submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord” (Ephesians 5.22).
In every situation, we must let love be genuine. “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all” (Romans 12.14-18)
There is nothing more powerful than genuine love. It reflects the selfless giving of God, and, in turn, reconciles, redeems and restores. Is your love genuine?
“The aim of our charge is love that comes from a pure heart, a good conscience and a sincere faith.” (1 Timothy 1.5).
