Romans 12:9 commands, “Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.”
Love is not described by God as an “uncontrollable feeling,” but something He commands us to choose and put into action (John 13:34; 1 John 3:16-18). When directed toward others, it involves a choice to seek others’ highest good.
The phrase “without hypocrisy” in Romans 12:9 indicates that the love we show others must be sincere. We must not just pretend to love others, but truly care for their well-being.
One application of this principle involves the way we approach those in spiritual danger.
Notice how Mark’s account of the rich young ruler describes Jesus. Mark 10:21 says, “Jesus looking at him loved him, and said to him, ‘One thing you lack. Go, sell whatever you have, and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me, taking up the cross.’”
While hypocritical love would have told the rich young ruler what he wanted to hear, it’s clear from the ruler’s reaction (verse 22) that Jesus told him something he did not want to hear. Because of Jesus’ genuine concern for the man’s soul, He told him what he needed to hear.
As Jesus walked the earth, He never approved (or pretended to approve) of sin. He was not spiteful in His approach, but He also did not sugar-coat truth.
The wisdom of the world may teach that it is hateful to rebuke someone for doing what “makes them happy,” regardless of whether such is in accordance with God’s commands.
Scripture teaches otherwise. While many “attack the messenger” when sin is pointed out (cf. Gal. 4:16), sincere love will point it out anyway when it’s appropriate to do so (and in the manner that’s appropriate).
There are times when patting someone on the back and encouraging him or her to “keep at it” is a demonstration of sincere love. Responding to current sin in the lives of others is not one of those times.
May we sincerely put others’ well-being ahead of our own comfort zone, and may we remember “that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins” (James 5:20).
– Michael Hickox