Romans 12:9, “Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.”
It’s obvious we are to love each other. Paul doesn’t even begin by telling believers they are to treat each other with love. Instead, he issues the challenge to make sure our love is genuine and not hypocritical. If we are offering our bodies as living sacrifices to God (Romans 12:1), then this should seem like a minor adjustment – a tune-up along the way.
It’s easy to love the “loveable,” but humility and empathy are required for living alongside others in such a way as to bless those who persecute, to rejoice with those who rejoice, to weep with those who weep, and to associate with the lowly. Paul echoes the teaching of Jesus, who said, “But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.” (Luke 6:27-28). Let’s be sure we move forward in love, not just towards other believers but the lost.
