Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.
Romans 12:9-10, The New International Version

In our study of Romans 12, we come to the Christian's objectives for relationships. In the next 12 verses we have 21 challenges to our discipleship. The first is simply, "Love must be sincere."

The word translated, "sincere" is the same as the word translated, "hypocrite," a word that meant in Paul's day, an actor on a stage. The people of Rome would have instantly associated this with the various play-acting that the city was known for. "Don't be an actor," when you love. You have to be genuine and authentic.

What has to be genuine? Love. This word that is mangled and thrown around casually in our day meant something much different to Jesus and the New Testament writers. It was the soil in which relationships are able to flourish. There was an unconditional and positive grace for people. Love gives us eyes to see others as the Father sees them.

Love for a disciple is the grounds of our faith. Jesus taught us, "Love one another as I have loved you," and "the world will know you are my disciples by your love for one another." (John 13:34-35) This is the ultimate test for a disciple. Do we love or do we "act" like a person who loves?

This verse is here for a reason. It is possible that we are not authentically loving. In order for our relationships to become God-glorifying, we have to get after it. Let's get started.

Here are our action plans today:

Take an inventory of your relationships. Are you authentic in your conversations and care for them, or are you play acting sometimes? Ask the Lord to help you get genuine.
Forgiving is the most powerful act of love. You cannot hold an offense and love. Forgive and then work it out if it is possible.

Let's grow in our love for others this week.

Love, Pastor Stuart