SATURDAY 27 AUGUST 2022

Today I'm about to share the course of exhortation in favour of three important things that please God in our lives and notably, the language apostle Paul used in the referenced verse below, is expressive of divine instructions and it's applicable to all Christians.

Reference: Romans 12:9 New International Version (NIV) "Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good."

In other words, as a Christian, don't pretend to love others. Really love people genuinely and demonstrate it in your actions. Paul recommended this manner of love because many of the Jewish-Christian followers of Christ in Rome were hypocritical about the love they professed and he discerned it. Some Christians among them vocalized it but didn't really mean it in their hearts. So Paul says, "Be sure your love is true and sincere love."

In Greek translation, a Christian love is the word, "agape" which denotes the highest form of love or call it charity. It is the love of God which he showed us on the cross by sending Christ to die for our sins. It is genuine love of God for man and of man for God. This love is in contrast to philia, brotherly love, because it expresses a deep and profound sacrificial love that transcends and persists regardless of person and circumstance. On the other hand, Philia is affectionate love, which has to do with strong and friendly association. This is the love Paul referred to in the next verse: "Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honouring each other" (Romans 12:10 NLT).

The next two instructions are "Hate what is evil; cling to what is good." Simply put, hate what is wrong and hold tightly to what is good. For a Christian, this particular instruction is much more than principles concerning the distinction between right and wrong or good and bad behaviour. How do we know what is good and that which is evil? As Christians, we get to know them by paying attention to God's Word. Luke 11:28 says, "Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it!" (ESV). In another way, do not hear the Word of God in vain. As you study the Word and look into the truth glass with unveiled face, you'll get to know what is right and then keep doing them. If you go away after studying and meditating on the Word and forget what you heard instead of applying it to yourself, then it could be difficult to know and hate what is evil because you're not a doer of God's Word.

This is also the case with those who hear the Word of God, get to know what is right and yet refuse to act on what they know as they ought. In hearing the Word, we should look into it for counsel and direction, and when we grasp it, it becomes what is right. However we must be willing to turn what is right into an active godly lifestyle. Those who hate what is evil are those who keep the laws in the Word of God, which means that they keep to what is good, and in doing so, they are blessed in all their ways.

Beloved, hating what is evil and holding fast to what is good can only be possible by being a committed Christian who values the Word of God. Therefore, love others well and express it authentically. Don't hide behind a mask or pretend to love. Be quick to despise or shun evil and equally pursue what is good as if your life depends on it. And definitely, you will be saturated with God's peace, blessing, favour and comfort. Shalom!

Scripture Reading - Amos 5:15; 1 Corinthians 13:4-5; 1 Thessalonians 5:15,21-22; 1 John 4:19.

Exuberant Declaration: I love God and people genuinely, and my heart, my understanding and my imagination uphold what is right from the standpoint of the Holy Scriptures. My immortal soul always finds occasion for joyful expression of what is right and pleasing in the sight of God, be it noble thoughts, good works, good deeds, righteous and praiseworthy acts. For this reason, I stand tall and ascend to the tower of my glorious life in Christ, thereby functioning steadily in that realm. Hallelujah!