Bible Reading: Ps. 84, 85, 86; Romans 12
“Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good” – Romans 12:9 (KJV)
One question remain paramount in my mind anytime I read this scriptures. How well has the church of Christ fared in this regard? Love without dissimulation is a genuine and true love that is void of hypocrisy and pretence. Love without dissimulation is the true love that project the character of God among men. It is God’s signature seen in human relationship. This is the genuine epistle of Christ, for God is love.
There is no pretence or hypocrisy in God’s love. God chastises, gives and directs by His love. How much of this love has been properly practiced among Christians? Do we actually abhor evil? Is gossiping not evil? Is giving bribe to a pastor supervising a church project not evil? Telling lies against your fellow Christian is that not evil? Backbiting and backstabbing your fellow brother is that not evil? Deception among brethren is a terrible sin and it is evil. The church has evolved and Christians are beginning to call what was evil in time past as good. Among brethren, hear what Apostle Paul has to say in Romans 12:10 (KJV), “Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another.”
The best way to practice all Christian virtues is to dwell in the genuine love of God. This can only be a product of an encounter with the Holy Spirit. True love is from above and only God’s Spirit can bequeath it to man. We must, as of a necessity, be totally submissive to the Holy Spirit in order for us to experience this love. We must be as living sacrifices to God as enjoined in Romans 12:1 in other to be recipients of the Spirit of Love.
How great our gathering will be and impregnable if only we allow the love of God to dwell in us and flow through us among brethren! God’s love is a giving love and such is expected from us as Christians. Preferring one another in love, let the love that led Christ to the cross to pay the price of sin begin to manifest in us and through us.
Prayer: Father, renew the right spirit within me and keep me in your love
Brother Joel Ezeugo