A Call to Genuine Love

 

Romans 12:9-10, " 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 (NLT)

Biblical Christianity has a vertical as well as a horizontal dimension.  When you truly understand the message of the gospel it is going to affect how you relate to God (vertical) and how we relate to each other (horizontal).

In the first eleven chapters of Romans, Paul explains the gospel.  When we get to chapter 12 he tells us how this should change us.  In the first several verses of Romans 12 Paul address the vertical dimension of faith.  When we understand the message of salvation, we will respond to God by giving ourselves as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God which is our spiritual form of worship.  We will also seek to serve Him in the area where He has called us to serve.

In verse nine and following Paul begins to describe the horizontal dimensions of faith.  He lays out the principle in verse 9: Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. The verses that follow amplify on the principle and offers profound spiritual guidance. This verse is part of Paul’s letter to the Romans, where he outlines how believers should live out their faith in daily life. In just a few words, Paul conveys three critical principles: authenticity, moral discernment, and devotion to goodness.

 First, Paul emphasizes the need for love to be genuine;” Do not pretend to love others. Really love them”.  He starts by telling us to not just pretend to love others but really love them. In other words, love must be sincere. In the original language, Greek word sincere actually means, “without hypocrisy”  Most of us like to think that we’re generally pretty loving people. Love, in its truest form, is not performative or self-serving. It must come from an honest place in the heart, rooted in compassion and empathy.

Let me ask you some questions though. Do you ever politely listen to someone, while inwardly rolling your eyes at them? Do you ever smile at someone, but the second they’re gone, your face reveals how you really feel about them? Do you ever speak negatively about people behind their backs? Do you ever see someone walking toward you, and you take a deep breath because you’re dreading speaking to them?

We don’t like to admit it, but most of us do these things sometimes. And each of these things is merely pretending to love another person. Most of us are very good at playing this game. Hypocritical love harms both the giver and receiver. Genuine love doesn’t require pretending or imagining interest. By calling for authenticity, Paul reminds us that God sees beyond outward actions into the motivations behind them.

The second directive, to "hate what is wrong," encourages believers to develop a moral compass aligned with God’s truth. This phrase suggests more than a passive avoidance of wrongdoing—it calls for an active rejection of sin. Genuine love wants what is best for a person. Evil is never what’s best. It is always harmful. It is not loving for us to sit idly by and watch someone do something that is harmful to themselves. Detesting evil means being vigilant against actions, attitudes, and habits that hurt others or lead us away from righteousness. Evil things hold us back from being who God wants us to be, and if we hate what is evil, we’ll be willing to take steps, even radical ones, to weed those things out of our lives. Our focus should be to seek what is good and escape what is evil. It is an invitation to cultivate a sensitivity to what dishonors God’s love.

Finally, Paul instructs us to “Hold tightly to what is good.” The imagery suggests a strong, almost desperate attachment. Just as sailors cling to a lifeline in stormy seas, Christians are to hold fast to goodness. Clinging to what is good means seeking virtues like kindness, honesty, and humility. It also implies surrounding ourselves with people and environments that promote spiritual growth.

Romans 12:9 serves as a timeless reminder of how to live a life marked by integrity, moral discernment, and unshakable goodness.

Through its simple but powerful instructions, it calls us to love authentically and live righteously. Paul’s point is that genuine love doesn’t just happen, it’s something we need to work on developing. But when we do, it bears wonderful fruit. He is challenging us to look at people differently. He says we should delight in finding the treasure in others. We should focus on seeing the blessings of others, rather than their failures. When we do that, showing affection isn’t difficult, and it isn’t a show. It comes naturally.

Discussion Questions:

1. How can we practice genuine love in everyday relationships without falling into the trap of hypocrisy or insincerity? 

2. What are some practical ways to "abhor what is evil" and "cling to what is good" in the face of daily temptations and challenges? 

Demonstration of His Love

 

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." (John 3:16, NLT)

There is a reason John 3:16 is one of the most well-known verses in Scripture. It is a concise, rich explanation of the gospel message, beautifully summed up in a single verse. When we reflect on this passage, several key truths emerge that reveal the depth of God’s love and the power of His plan for humanity.

First, God’s actions are motivated by love. John tells us that Jesus came into the world because of God’s love for humanity. When discussions of judgment and condemnation arise, it is easy to overlook the truth that God’s primary motivation is love. He loves all people, regardless of their actions or beliefs. Though He will judge and punish sin, His love remains steadfast. Because of this love, He made a way for humanity to be forgiven of sin. Rather than abandoning us to reap the just consequences of our sin (condemnation), God offered us forgiveness. His love for the world drove Him to provide a path to salvation. God’s love is not passive; it is active, purposeful, and life-transforming.

Second, God had a plan and took the initiative. Jesus’ mission to save humanity was not a spontaneous decision or a reaction to unforeseen events. It was part of God’s eternal plan. Ephesians teaches us that God formulated this plan before the foundation of the world. God was not surprised by human sin, nor did He cause it. However, He allowed it to happen for reasons known only to Him. Despite humanity’s fall, God’s love remained unshaken, and He sent Jesus to rescue us from the penalty we deserved. This plan was not a backup or Plan B—it was always God’s singular purpose for salvation. Without God’s initiative, we would remain spiritually dead in our sins. But thanks be to God, who acted on our behalf to save us!

Third, the sacrifice was costly. John uses the analogy of a father sacrificing his only son to illustrate the magnitude of God’s love. God’s willingness to offer His beloved Son, Jesus, for the sake of humanity demonstrates the depth of His love. It is important to clarify that Jesus’ identity as God’s Son does not imply a biological relationship as some ancient mythologies depict. Instead, it signifies the unique and eternal relationship between the Father and the Son. Jesus’ sacrifice was not just a token gesture—it was the ultimate act of love. He gave His life so that we could be reconciled to God, and this act of sacrifice is a profound testimony to God’s love for us.

Fourth, Jesus’ coming accomplishes much. The promise associated with Jesus’ mission is clear: “Anyone who believes in Him will not perish but will have eternal life”. This promise is nothing short of astonishing. While believers will still experience physical death, they are assured of eternal life beyond this earthly existence. Spiritual death is conquered through belief in Jesus. This eternal life is life redeemed from the curse of sin and death—a life spent in the presence of God forever. What an incredible promise for those who place their faith in Christ!

Fifth, the promise is for those who believe. Some hold to the belief of Universalism, which suggests that God will save everyone regardless of their faith or actions. This belief, though popular in some circles and promoted in books like *Love Wins, * is not consistent with biblical teaching. John 3:16 explicitly states that eternal life is for those who believe in Jesus. Those who do not believe will not experience eternal life. Belief is not a minor detail—it is the central requirement for salvation.

So, what does it mean to believe? Genuine belief is more than intellectual acknowledgment or verbal affirmation. It is a conviction that transforms a person’s life. We can claim to believe in many things, but our actions reveal the authenticity of our beliefs. True belief in Jesus goes beyond acknowledging His existence or the historical facts of His resurrection. It means surrendering our lives to Him, trusting Him fully, and allowing His teachings to shape our actions and decisions. Real belief leads to a life that seeks to follow, honor, and obey Him. We do not live this way to earn salvation (since salvation is a gift of grace), but because we trust that His way is best. When we truly believe, our lives reflect that belief.

Real belief results in real change. This kind of belief causes a shift in focus—from self-centered living to Christ-centered living. It compels us to step out of darkness and seek the light. It drives us to do difficult things because we trust that God’s way is better and that the challenges we face will be worth it in the end. True belief in Jesus transforms every aspect of our lives, leading us into a deeper relationship with God and a life filled with hope, purpose, and eternal joy.

John 3:16 is more than a beloved verse; it is a declaration of God’s incredible love and His plan for our redemption. Through His love, initiative, sacrifice, and promise, God offers us the gift of eternal life. All we need to do is believe—and that belief, when genuine, will change everything. May God bless you and keep you.

Pastor Dimas

Discussion Questions

1. What does it mean for God’s love to be just and sacrificial? How can we reconcile the idea of God’s judgment with His deep love for humanity, as demonstrated in John 3:16?

2. How can belief in Jesus’ lead to real change in our daily lives? What practical steps can we take to ensure our lives reflect genuine faith rather than just intellectual belief?

3. Why is it significant that God’s plan for salvation was established before the creation of the world? How does this knowledge impact our understanding of God’s sovereignty and grace?

The Depth of God’s Love

 

"But God demonstrates His own love toward us in that, while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."  Romans 5:8 

Love is one of the most profound and powerful forces in existence. It transcends emotions, actions, and even human understanding. This verse is one of my favorite verses in the Bible and one of the most beautiful declarations in Scripture about the extent of God’s love for us. It delightfully captures the message of salvation, a divine narrative that runs from Genesis to Revelation. It also contains two of the most life-changing words in the Bible: “But God.” This phrase signifies an interruption—God stepping into our hopelessness to change our destiny. His love is so immense that He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, on a rescue mission to redeem a world lost in sin. And what was this mission? To rescue us from the death sentence we rightfully deserve because of our rebellion against Him. 

God sees our sins. He knows our failures, our brokenness, and our unworthiness. He owes us nothing—yet, in His infinite love, He chose to restore what we shattered. He sent Jesus to take our place, to bear our punishment, and to offer us grace instead of judgment. How remarkable, how deep is this love? Paul emphasizes that “while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” This demonstrates that God did not wait for humanity to become perfect before extending His love. Instead, He met us in our worst state and paid the ultimate price to bring us back to Him. 

In human relationships, love is often conditional, we love others when they treat us well or meet our expectations. However, God's love surpasses human standards; it embraces the broken, the lost, and even those who reject Him. His love is freely given, not earned, making it the purest form of love imaginable.  

Another dimension of divine love we see in this verse is its sacrificial nature. The greatest demonstration of love in history was Christ’s death on the cross. True love is not merely expressed in words but in actions. Jesus willingly endured suffering and death for the sake of humanity, knowing that many would reject Him. This sacrificial love reflects God’s deep commitment to saving humanity, despite our sins. It is easy to love when it requires little effort or sacrifice, but God’s love shows that true love often comes at a great cost. His sacrifice challenges us to move beyond self-centered love and embrace a love that serves, gives, and sacrifices for others.  God’s Love Calls Us to Love Others.

What an incredible truth! We do not deserve forgiveness, yet God offers it freely. We cannot earn salvation, yet Christ has already secured it. Now, the choice is ours—to accept or reject the gift of redemption. Only Jesus can satisfy God’s justice, and only He can remove our guilt and offer us eternal life.

In conclusion, Romans 5:8 beautifully illustrates the depth of God’s love—unconditional, sacrificial, and transformative. It is a love that meets us in our brokenness, redeems us through Christ’s sacrifice, and calls us to love others in the same way. As we reflect on this verse, may we strive to embody God’s love in our lives, showing grace, forgiveness, and selflessness to a world in need.  May we never take this gift for granted, but instead, live in gratitude for the endless love of our Father. 

May God bless you and keep you, and may these words renew your spirit. 

 Pastor Dimas 

Discussion Questions.

1. How does the phrase “But God” in Romans 5:8 change our understanding of God’s love and grace, especially in contrast to human nature and justice?  

2. Since Christ died for us while we were still sinners, how should this truth shape the way we view and extend grace to others in our daily lives?  

 

God is Our Refuge

 

“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. ² I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” (Psalm 91:1-2, ESV). During my teenage years in Puerto Rico, I had the privilege of singing a beautiful hymn in my home church based on this Psalm. The first verse and chorus resonate deeply in my heart. It goes like this:

He who dwells in the shelter of God

will abide under the shadow of love;

No evil shall come upon him

and in his wings, he will live happily.

Chorus:

Oh, I want to dwell in the shelter of God;

only there will I find peace and deep love.

My delight is to enjoy communion with him

and to praise his name forever.

What a beautiful promise we have from our Creator! These words remind us that God’s shelter is not just a place of safety, but a place of peace, love, and security. The shelter of God is where we find refuge, where His love covers us like a blanket, and where His presence brings the peace that surpasses all understanding.

Many of us live in challenging times. The pressures of life, the struggles we face, and the chaos of this world can leave us feeling overwhelmed. There are moments when the trials seem too heavy to bear, and it can feel like hope is just out of reach. In such times, it’s easy to seek relief in temporary solutions, whether it’s through substances, distractions, or unhealthy habits. But God offers a far better refuge—one that does not just numb the pain but heals and restores us.

When we choose to live under the shadow of the Almighty, we align ourselves with His protection and His provision. We are reminded that no matter what storms we face, God is a strong fortress, a shelter that will never fail us. Psalm 91 assures us that when we rest in His presence, He will cover us and shield us from harm. This is not just a physical protection but a spiritual covering—God’s peace and His love are an unshakable foundation in the midst of life’s chaos.

In times of hardship, it is easy to forget where our true refuge lies. But let us remember that God is our safe place, our fortress, and our deliverer. Instead of turning to things that only offer temporary relief, let us run to the arms of our Heavenly Father, who promises to bring us peace that endures forever. It is in His shelter that we find true fulfillment and the joy we long for.

When challenges come, bring them to the Lord. Lay them at His feet, and trust that He will carry you through. Rest in the comfort of His love, knowing that in Him you will find "peace and deep love”, an unshakable peace, and a love that never fails.

May the Lord bless you and keep you always. May you experience His peace and love today and forevermore, as you find refuge in the shelter of the Most High. 

Discussion Questions

1. **How do you personally experience God's peace and protection in times of trouble? Can you recall a specific moment when you felt His sheltering presence during a challenging season? **

2. **In what ways do people often seek refuge in temporary solutions like substances or distractions, and how does living under the "shadow of the Almighty" offer a better and more lasting alternative? **

3. **Psalm 91 speaks of God's protection and love, but it doesn't promise a life free from difficulties. How can we reconcile the reality of life's challenges with the assurance of God's shelter and peace? **

4. The Psalm emphasizes the importance of dwelling in God's presence. How can we cultivate a deeper sense of living in that "secret place" with God in our everyday lives, even amidst our busy or stressful routines