Sincere Love Has a Backbone
Written for Bible Journey Plan. Our editorial standards.
Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;
Romans 12:9-10 KJV
Paul does not describe love as approving everything. In the same passage, he calls believers to reject evil, cling to good, and honor one another. Sincere love has warmth, but it also has convictions.
That matters when a group expects you to laugh at something cruel. Refusing to join does not make you unkind. You can reject the cruelty while treating the people involved with respect. You can also honor someone whose quiet work is being ignored.
Start with specific conduct. Speak well of a teammate's honest effort. Give credit without adding a joke that takes it back. Stand against the wrong action without deciding that the person is beyond God's mercy. Christian love is neither a flattering performance nor an excuse for harshness. It is a steady commitment to what is good for another person, shaped by the goodness and truth of the Lord.
Put the passage into practice
Sincere love cannot be built on flattery used to gain an advantage. Treat people with care when they have nothing to offer your reputation. Speak consistently about them in public and in private. Paul's instruction also joins love with a rejection of evil, which keeps kindness from becoming approval of every choice. Honour others freely, encourage what is good, and remain willing to tell the truth with the concern that real affection requires.
Keep the passage in context
Paul describes conduct that follows God's mercies. Love is to be sincere, joined to a rejection of evil and a willing honor toward other believers.
Read further: Romans 12 in the King James Bible.