ROMANS 12
9 Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. 10 Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. 11 Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. 12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. 13 Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. 17 Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. 19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” 20 To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. – Romans 12:9-21
ROMANS 12 GENUINE LOVE
A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses
To love genuinely means to hold on fast to what is good
It is seen when one is kind, not easily angered or rude
Genuine love is not self-centered but thinks of his neighbor
It is unconditional and always look after others’ welfare
It is patient, hospitable and always seek harmony
It does not keep a record of wrongs but forgives easily
Genuine love does not think highly of himself
It is manifested in genuine interest in others.
Paul writes to the church in Rome about genuine love in this letter. Paul addresses the believers in Rome that when they became a part of Jesus’ family. The Romans viewed love very differently from how they used to know it before they knew Christ. Paul stipulated some guidelines to follow so that they could exercise genuine love among themselves instead of the old way they expressed love.
What did Paul mean in verse 9? According to sources, the word genuine in Hebrew is “emet” – which is truth. This is the root. It carries a heavier cultural weight than simple factual accuracy. It signifies total honesty, personal integrity, and spiritual authenticity. Another Hebrew word for it is “firgun.” While not a direct translation of the English word “genuine,” this is a uniquely meaningful Hebrew word that captures “genuine, unselfish delight or pride in the accomplishment of another” without any hint of jealousy. So, when Paul calls them to genuine love, it involves a big responsibility rather than just a feeling or emotion. No one can be able to exercise genuine love if they do not serve and know the Lord Jesus Christ because the love that the world knows is self-focused and transactional which is the opposite of what God expects from his people. Paul challenges them to outdo one another in giving genuine love.
REFLECTION
- Can an unbeliever show genuine love? Why or why not?
