Washington Conference of Seventh-day Adventists

By Doug Bing, Washington Conference president

When you’re reading, do the words ever seem to jump out at you and make you think a little deeper? This is what happened as I read through the epistle of Romans. The first few words in Romans 12:9, “Let love be without hypocrisy,” was a powerful statement that started a deep personal contemplation as to the meaning of this verse.

As I thought about those words more, a thought came to me. Paul is implying that there are times when people love without sincerity...that they love while being hypocrites. Of course, Paul knew that it was impossible to love without sincerity, but, he certainly implies the notion.

I believe there are times in our lives that we act with love but without sincerity. If you were to stop reading at the first phrase of Romans 12:9, you might be saddened by the meaning. However, as you continue to read the verse fully, it gives you hope.

As we cling to Jesus, He removes the barriers to allow us to fully and completely love. It’s easy to love the lovable, those like ourselves, or those we agree with. But do we love with sincerity the people we find unlovable, people much different from ourselves, or those we disagree with?

When we cling to Jesus, we can sincerely love everyone around us. We can love the disenfranchised, homeless, political opposites, single mothers, drug addicts, people of different cultures and ethnic backgrounds, prostitutes, people with different religions or religious views, and the LGTBQ community. By showing them love, we can show the love of Jesus and how He has truly changed our lives.

As you go throughout your week, please take the time to grow spiritually as you cling to what is good: Jesus Christ. Spend time reading His words and contemplating His love for you. You will be changed by clinging to the love of Jesus.