Genuine Love

Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.
Romans 12:9-13
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Genuine Love
            Genuineness is becoming a rarer and rarer thing these days. Everyone puts on masks and pretends to be what we are not. Hypocrisy seems to rule our lives. But lest we become too self-absorbed, it is obvious this is not a new trait. Paul urges us to not fall into this way of living. He urges a genuine love, that is, a love not concerned with whether it receives anything in return. And while we show this love, we are at the same time to despise and be repulsed by evil. Brotherly affection should be shown to those in Christ’s family, and we should exhibit familial love toward one another. And how are we to outdo one another in showing honor? By going out ahead first, not waiting to be loved first. And in the Holy Spirit-given faith, that is exactly what we are called to do and can now actually do. The Holy Spirit fills our lives and flows out from us to others. Therefore, we can contribute to the needs of the saints by sharing with others in need. And sharing not just our material blessings but, most importantly, sharing God’s Word. Genuine love gives and does not take; genuine Christian love gives Christ crucified for us. Let us never shy away from that gift.