True Love
"Love must be without hypocrisy. Detest evil; cling to what is good." — Romans 12:9
When the world tends more and more toward darkness in deeds and spirit, sometimes we like to qualify how good or bad our actions or deeds are. We say things like, “I know I shouldn’t be doing that, but at least I’m not…” Does it really matter what word or phrase goes in the blank? The more we allow small amounts of evil to permeate our lives, the more Satan takes over. Give evil an inch, and the evil one will take your soul.
Isn’t it amazing that when an athlete shows blatant misconduct in his professional or personal life, his jersey sales and popularity seems to rise across the country? What kind of message does that send to the kids who watch the games and the athletes? Does it encourage kids to cheat in their levels of competition? How does it influence their opinions and values when coaches or teammates act the same way?
If we cling to what is good, we must have faith that God will protect us and keep us safe with Him. We all know it is not always easy to stand up for what we know is right. Sometimes it is quite difficult, but remember that God will not lead us to any problem that He cannot take us through. He will not let us down.
1. What kind of love do we show others? Do we love others in a selfless way?
2. As a coach or friend, do we hate evil or tolerate it in small doses?
3. How can we hate sin but love the sinner?
Extra Reading: Psalm 32:8; 1 Corinthians 10:13; 1 John 4:4
Lord, I pray that You will live in me and shine Your love through me. Help me be the person whom You have called me to be. Help me be more receptive to Your will so that others may see You working in my life. Amen.