Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
—Romans 12:9-13

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Love That Can Hate
By Jennifer Kane

Love, pure and unfeigned,
Reaches out with open hands
Yet pulls back in recoil from the touch of evil.
It stands firm in goodness,
Clinging with every fiber to what is right,
What is true.

To love deeply is to loathe fiercely
The darkness that threatens the light,
To hate the sin, yet love the soul,
To weep for the fallen,
But never condone the fall.

Christ, in tears, gazed upon Jerusalem,
His heart breaking for its sins,
Yet His love, unwavering,
Held fast to the good.
In this tension,
Love finds its strength,
In the hate for evil,
Love is made whole.

Let love be without hypocrisy,
Detesting what is evil,
Clinging to what is good.
Be devoted to one another in brotherly love,
Honor others above yourselves.
Never be lacking in zeal,
But keep your spiritual fervor,
Serving the Lord with glad hearts.

Rejoice in hope,
Be patient in affliction,
Faithful in prayer.
Share with those in need,
Practicing hospitality,
For in the acts of kindness,
Love’s essence is revealed.

A love that can hate what is vile,
Yet overflows with grace,
Rooted in devotion,
Anchored in truth and care.
This is the love that transforms,
The love that reflects Christ,
A love that endures,
A love that shines.

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Scriptures: Romans 12:9-13

Love is often portrayed as gentle, accepting, and always positive. However, true Christian love also requires a righteous hatred for evil. This balance is not only challenging but essential for a genuine and God-honoring life. Romans 12:9-13 provides a blueprint for living out this love, which can hate evil while clinging to the good.

Paul begins with a call for authentic love, free from pretense. Hypocritical love is not love at all. It’s essential to examine our hearts and motives to ensure our love is genuine. We should strive for a love that is sincere, mirroring Christ’s love for us.

Loving without hypocrisy means hating what is evil and holding tightly to what is good. This dual action is crucial—true love does not compromise with sin. We must reject evil vehemently and pursue goodness passionately. It’s easier to focus on one or the other, but a mature Christian balances both.

Christian love is also expressed through affection and honor toward one another. We are called to treat each other with kindness and respect, reflecting simple good manners and genuine care. This love is active and personal, not distant or cold.

Love is not lazy. We are encouraged to be diligent and fervent in spirit as we serve the Lord. Our service should be enthusiastic and wholehearted, demonstrating our dedication to God’s work.

Our love is fueled by hope—not in immediate results but in the eternal promises of God. We are to rejoice in the hope of our future with Christ, which sustains us through present challenges.

Trials test our love and commitment. Patience in tribulation involves active endurance, not passive resignation. Deep troubles call for a steadfast spirit, trusting in God’s faithfulness.

Continuing steadfastly in prayer is essential for maintaining love and hope. Prayer keeps us connected to God, empowering us to face difficulties with grace and perseverance.

True love manifests in practical ways—sharing with those in need and showing hospitality. The word for hospitality implies actively pursuing opportunities to welcome and care for others, especially strangers. This is love in action, demonstrating God’s love through our deeds.

Love that can hate evil is a love rooted in truth and holiness. It rejects anything that opposes God’s character while embracing what is good and pure. As we live out this love, we become a reflection of Christ’s love, impacting those around us.

Examine your love today. Is it genuine, active, and balanced? Commit to loving without hypocrisy, abhorring evil, and clinging to good. Find practical ways to show this love—whether through acts of kindness, hospitality, or supporting someone in need. Let your love be a testimony of God’s transforming power.

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Heavenly Father, help us to love sincerely, with a hatred for evil and a deep commitment to goodness. Teach us to be diligent, patient, and fervent in our service to You. May our love be active, generous, and reflective of Your heart. In Jesus name, amen.

January 12 2025