Love Without Hypocrisy

Romans 12:9-13, “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 honor preferring one another; Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.”

The KJV wording “Let love be without dissimulation” is a command for love to be without hypocrisy. The mask comes off when affection matches action. Paul strings imperatives like pearls: hate evil, cling to good, outdo one another in showing honor, be fervent in spirit, patient in tribulation, constant in prayer, contribute to the saints, practice hospitality. Real love is concrete: it shows up, opens the door, writes the check, stays to pray. It hates evil precisely because evil harms the beloved; it clings to good because good reflects God. 

Such love is impossible apart from Christ, who loved us at infinite cost. Gazing on the cross, we cannot treat fellow believers with cold detachment or strangers with cautious distance. If He welcomed me when I was far off, how can I withhold my table from those in need? So, Lord of love, strip away counterfeit affection and kindle sincere devotion. Make my home, my wallet, and my calendar ready instruments of Your hospitality. Amen! 

Let love be genuine; pursue what benefits others at real cost to yourself.