Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
—Romans 12:9,21

There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.
—Proverbs 6:16–19

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Evil is Loud, Love is Louder
By Jennifer Kane

There are things that break the heart of God—
Eyes too proud to see another’s worth,
Lies that twist and tear apart,
Hands that wound where they should heal,
A heart that dreams of harm unseen,
Feet that chase destruction’s call,
And voices that scatter peace like dust.

But there are things that bring Him joy—
Eyes that lift the weary,
Words that steady the shaking soul,
Hands that cradle life with care,
A heart that plans for good to flourish,
Feet that run toward what is right,
And voices that quiet storms with peace.

Hate what is evil,
Don’t dare to let it make a home in your heart.
Love what is good,
And let it flow from you like water.

Bless those who curse,
Hold fast to hope,
Share your table with the needy,
And weep with the grieving.

Evil is loud, but love is louder still.
It overcomes—
Not with force,
But with the steady strength
Of a heart that trusts in God.

~~~~~

Scriptures: Romans 12:9–21, Proverbs 6:16–19

Paul presents a compelling vision for Christian love in Romans 12, urging believers to live out sincere love that mirrors the heart of Christ. This love must be free of hypocrisy, characterized by a passionate abhorrence of evil and a wholehearted embrace of good. Such balance can be challenging, yet it is essential for our relationships within the church and beyond. True Christian love is warm, humble, diligent, and fueled by a fervent spirit serving the Lord.

Let your love for others be both genuine and practical. Honor others above yourself, showing good manners and selfless regard. Anchor your service to God in the hope of eternal life with Christ, rather than the fleeting results of your labor. Persevere in trials with joy and steadfast prayer, knowing God’s purposes prevail even in difficulty. Seek opportunities to serve and welcome others—whether by meeting their needs or through hospitality.

Take a moment to reflect: Am I demonstrating sincere love in both word and action? How can I practice diligent service and warm affection toward others in my church family?

Paul challenges us further with radical love: “Bless those who persecute you.” This command reflects the heart of Jesus, who taught us to extend grace even to our enemies. Speak words of kindness in the face of hostility, trusting God to be the ultimate judge. Pray for and actively seek good for those who oppose you. Ask yourself: Do I extend kindness to those who mistreat me, or do I allow resentment to take root? How can I love my enemies today as Jesus commands?

Paul also offers practical guidance for living peaceably with everyone, whether inside or outside the church. Rejoice with those who rejoice and mourn with those who mourn. True empathy draws us closer together and fosters unity. Avoid seeking lofty status or relying on your own wisdom; instead, associate with the humble, modeling Christ’s servant-heartedness. Repay no one evil for evil, but trust God’s justice. Respond to evil with good, overcoming hatred with kindness. Pursue peace as far as it depends on you, even when it’s not reciprocated.

Paul concludes with a profound challenge: feed your enemy, give them drink, and “heap coals of fire on their head.” Whether this conviction leads to repentance or reconciliation, God is glorified through our Christlike behavior.

Consider this: Am I overcoming evil with good in my daily interactions? Where can I sow seeds of peace and kindness, even toward those who oppose me?

Proverbs 6:16–19 provides further insight into God’s heart, listing the things He hates: pride, deceit, violence, wicked schemes, eagerness for evil, false testimony, and sowing discord. These sins are not arbitrary; they are direct assaults on God’s holiness and His design for human flourishing. To love what God loves, we must hate what He hates—not with malice, but with a holy desire for His kingdom to prevail.

Conversely, God delights in humility, truth, peacemaking, and righteousness. When we commit to these qualities, we reflect His character. Just as hospitals prohibit smoking to preserve life and bartenders withhold keys to prevent harm, God calls us to reject ideologies and actions that defy His truth and harm others. This is not prejudice against individuals, but a discerning rejection of evil that corrupts and destroys.

Our hatred for evil must always be tempered with love for those ensnared by it. Pray for their redemption and restoration, reflecting God’s grace. To love sincerely and hate rightly requires humility, the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and a commitment to God’s Word.

May we be known as people who love like Jesus—with sincerity, boldness, and truth—while hating evil with the same righteous indignation that drove Him to cleanse the temple and confront sin. In doing so, we align our hearts with God’s and become vessels of His righteousness, shining His light in a dark world.

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Heavenly Father,
You are the source of all that is good, holy, and true. Teach us to love with sincerity and to hate evil with a righteous passion. Fill our hearts with compassion for those who are lost, and give us the courage to be lights in this dark world.

Lord, help us to reflect Your character in our thoughts, words, and actions. Let our love be genuine, our service diligent, and our faith steadfast. Grant us wisdom to discern what is good and courage to cling to it, even when it’s difficult. May we bless those who curse us and overcome evil with good, just as Your Son overcame sin and death for us.

Transform us, Lord, into vessels of Your grace and righteousness, bringing glory to Your name. We trust in Your justice, lean on Your mercy, and rejoice in Your love. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

November 17 2024