Romans 12:9 - Loving with Authenticity.
Romans 12:9 (NLT) Dont just pretend that
you love others. Really love them. Hate what is
wrong. Stand on the side of the good.
Romans 12:9 (NIV) Love must be sincere. Hate
what is evil; cling to what is good.
COMMENTARY PEARL
There are some people who are just, well,
unlovable. They always seem to irritate others.
It may be that God has placed one of
these people in your life. You might even be
married to one of them. Or, maybe every day you deal
with a coworker in the cubicle next to yours or
someone who sits by you in class.
Writing to the believers in Rome, Paul
said, Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what
is evil. Cling to what is good (Romans 12:9
NKJV). That means we are to genuinely love people.
For instance, Judas Iscariot looked as
though he was so devout. On one occasion he seemed
to be concerned for the needs of the poor. But
in reality he was pocketing the money the
disciples carried together.
And then he betrayed Jesus with a kiss.
He could have done it with a handshake. He
could have done it by pointing to Christ and
saying, Thats Him! But instead, he did it
with a kiss. And it wasnt just one kiss. In
the original language it could be translated,
He kissed Him repeatedly.
Ironically, at the moment Judas Iscariot
seemed the most devout, he actually was the most
devious. It wasnt love at all.
You might be saying, Well, I dont
feel love for this person, and it would be
hypocritical of me to do loving things for them when
Im not feeling the love in my heart. Therefore,
I wont do anything loving toward them at
all.
That is not what Paul is saying. He was
saying that we should be loving to that person
while we repent of being unloving. In other words,
do loving things whether you feel it or not,
and youll find that your emotions will catch
up.
We show real love in what we do. [Greg
Laurie from Harvest Ministries;
https://www.harvestdaily.com]
LINK FOR FURTHER STUDY ON THIS TOPIC
http://www.abible.com/devotions/2010/20100820-1502.html
YOUR COMMENTS
If anyone has a paraphrase, commentary or
testimony on this passage of Scripture, either
personal or otherwise, I would be interested in
hearing from you. Thanks in advance and let's keep
uplifting Jesus that all might be drawn to Him. Fred
Gibbs
LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT
Most Important Decision in Life:
http://www.youtube.com/embed/WGnEuGwvXqU?rel=0
A Man without Equal by Bill Bright:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NiVa7UoruIo
Seeking God Made Real:
http://vimeo.com/31489782
Prayer Made Real:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tc8VdMV26VE
Importance of Choice:
http://creationhealth.com/CREATION-Health/Choice [click on video]
Medical Seminar on Healthful Living by David
DeRose, MD, MPH:
https://www.smartlifestyletv.com/lifestart
LINKS FOR BIBLE STUDIES
Lifting Up Jesus Bible Studies:
http://www.liftingupjesus.net/
Amazing Facts Bible Studies:
http://www.amazingfacts.org/bible-study/bible-study-guides.aspx
Glow Tract Video Bible Studies:
http://www.bibleresearch.info/
LINKS FOR BIBLE PROPHECY SEMINARS
The Last Day of Prophecy by Pastor Doug
Batchelor:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLmGvdtMCf1aJTiC59-lPtuUMEq_uEn0BK
Prophecies Decoded by Pastor Ron Clouzet:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1A435C5373550657