Romans 12:9 – Verse of the Day 6/12/14

The Bible teaches us that our faith in God and our love for others must be real and not just an act. In Paul’s time, Greek actors were called “hypokrites,” and this is the root of our modern word “hypocrisy.” The word “genuine” in this verse is a good translation of a word that literally means “without hypocrisy.” Can you imagine if God’s love for us were just an act?

Paul’s point is that our love should not be an act but rather something that grows genuinely out of our hearts as an expression of who Christ has made us and redeemed us to be. God’s love for us is genuine, and it should plant in us a genuine love for others as well.

As you pray, ask the Lord to give you a heart of genuine love for Himself and others. Consider whether there are times when you struggle to love others genuinely or whether there are specific people that you struggle to love genuinely. As you reflect on the extravagance of God’s love for us expressed in the sacrifice of His Son, ask the Lord to give you a similar heart to love others as He has loved us.