Romans 12:9 "Let love be without dissimulation (hypocrisy). Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good."
To express love "without dissimulation" is imperative in a culture that focuses on self-gratification, indulgence, licentiousness, and other selfish passions. It means we go against the grain of the trends in our day. In part, it entails what is required to be a "non-conformist" (Romans 12:2 pictured above), spiritually speaking. The word dissimulation means "hypocrisy." Therefore, the love we have toward others is to be honest, sincere, pure, and without ulterior or selfish motives. It is to be an affection that is genuine, not merely giving lip service or trying to make ourselves outwardly "look good." It is to be directed even to the ungodly, marking us as people who not only love the LORD but also HIS fallen creatures, despite the wicked and perverted sinfulness they often express. This does not mean we approve of their sin but that we show a concern demonstrating our desire for them to turn to GOD and away from their sin for salvation (or return to the LORD for sanctification). As believers, we are to love those who not only do not deserve our charity but also do not even desire it in the first place. We are to visibly display a sincere care for others, especially our fellow brothers and sisters in the LORD; the book of 1st.John makes this fact abundantly clear. True love is not merely words or an emotional feeling but, rather, an act of the will that manifests itself in tangible, meaningful ways.
How can we demonstrate sincere, biblical love ? We do so by humbly, graciously, patiently, and faithfully proclaiming GOD's truth whenever we are given the opportunity - and we do this both in word and by deed. Showing love is part of what it means to "put . . . on the LORD JESUS CHRIST" (Romans 13:14 pictured above), the divine AUTHOR and CREATOR of love. GDF
Your servant in CHRIST,
Julie
Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide
Used with permission. www.featoday.org
https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation
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