April 7 Romans 12:9
“Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good.”
Comment:
This short verse packs a powerful ethical and spiritual directive. Paul calls for a kind of love that is not just external or performative, but sincere and authentic. It must come from the heart. The verse also draws a sharp line between good and evil: we are to hate evil—not ignore it or tolerate it—and cling tightly to what is good, as if our lives depended on it. In a world of moral compromise, Paul’s words remind us that Christian love must be deeply rooted in truth and holiness.
Devotion:
Love is at the core of the Christian life, but it must be real. We all know what fake love feels like—flattery with hidden motives, kindness with strings attached. Paul urges us to go deeper. Genuine love is sacrificial, truthful, and unshakable. And to truly love, we must also hate evil. Not people, but the destructive forces—sin, injustice, deception—that hurt others and damage our souls. The more we grow in Christ, the more our hearts ache at what is evil and rejoice in what is good. Ask God today to purify your love and to help you recognize and reject the subtle evils that creep in. Cling to the good—truth, mercy, justice, and grace.
Reflection Question:
Where in your life is God inviting you to grow in genuine love—and what evil must you learn to abhor in order to love more deeply?
Click here for more posts