Let Love be Genuine
Part one of three on Romans 12:9
“Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good.” Romans 12:9
Too often we think of sin as an individual issue. I struggle with this problem, and I need to conquer this sin, or else I will suffer the consequences, because I am a sinner. Of course all of this is true. But sin also has communal effects. Every time I stumble, I create a stumbling stone for someone else. Jesus told us
“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:12-13)
If we are to live out the call in Romans 12:9 to “let love be genuine” we need to be prepared to lay down our lives to conquer sin. We need to fight temptation with God’s power, not only for our own good, but for the good of our family, our friends, our spouses, our co-workers, our children, even our enemies. Like a parent who quits smoking because they never want their child to start, we must seek to conquer sin for the good of those around us. As the apostle Peter taught us,
“Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.” (1 Peter 4:8)
Whatever sin you are struggling with, ask yourself, do I want someone I love to struggle with the same issue? If the answer is no, stand your ground. Love them through God’s power and fight what’s killing you.
Karl
You can purchase a copy of Karl’s new book, Killing Sin, right here!