9 Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. 10 Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. 11 Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. 12 Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. 13 When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality.
14 Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them. 15 Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all!
17 Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. 18 Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.
19 Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say,
“I will take revenge; I will pay them back,” says the Lord.
20 Instead,
“If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink.In doing this, you will heap burning coals of shame on their heads.”
21 Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.
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Here in Romans 12:9 we are told to love without hypocrisy. This part of the scripture reveals the importance of authentic love and whole heartedness in all of our relationships we have with those around us.
Throughout Romans 12, Paul is telling us what it really is, to lead a life as a Christian. Paul tells us that we are to find our spiritual gifting and to fully understand them and use them in a way that actually supports and serves the Lord and his people. We read that our love for one another must be sincere, we were not meant to fake our love and care for one another, we are made to truly love and appreciate those we surround ourselves with, that includes everyone. We are to find a way to love and appreciate all people and share the love that God has for them, we are to find a way to connect and love. The Lord has nevr or would ever say he hates people, so neither should we. We are to hate or to 'abhor' only what is evil or sin. We must then continue to cling to what is good, actively trying to live more like Jesus and seeing others and the world around us as he does. Understand what is good and what is bad and choosing to cling to the good and love abundantly.
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