S.Scripture | Romans 12:9 literally translated from the original with notes. “(Let) the agape love (be) not-hypocritical (genuine) the abhorring [active] (what is) the evil. Being glued/joined [passive] to the good.
O.Observation | The Greek original here isn’t as flowing as the words our English translators have skillfully given us. Literally this verse starts simply “The agape not hypocritical.” Agape is the highest form of love. Being able to truly give this love is the result of having this love placed on us by God through Jesus. There’s no greater example agape love then Jesus taking our place in giving His life for us (John 15:13; Romans 5:7f). As Paul uses the definite article, “the,” he gives the imperative tone an added call to hold not one bit of our love back.
Next comes the adjective that modifies this call to love, literally “not hypocritical.” This is a call for our love to be given to God and others to be 1) God’s kind of agape love 2) an all in, holds nothing back kind of love. And now 3) an authentic and real love. 1 John 3:18 echoes the same call. Just as Jude 16 warns of a hypocritical love of false teachers. “They boast about themselves, flattering others for the sake of gaining an advantage.” Counterfeit love can be hard to identify for man, but God sees right through the façade. On the day of judgement all such secret self-pleasing love will be made fully known and accounted for (Luke 12:1-2).
The use of the definite article continues with “the evil” and “the good.” Again we see a all-encompassing understanding is in view. Not some evil or some good, but all of it is in “the evil” and “the good.” It is a way of saying “hate every evil” and “be glued to every good.” Of course we have God’s view of good and evil, and not humanities, as we view pleasure and good and hardship as evil. With God the very opposite could be true.
“Abhor” caries the idea of not only hating, but turning away in response to such a feeling. The true believer both turns away from evil in hatred, and at the same time clings to the things God defines as good.
The context of Romans 12:1-2 adds an important foundation to this way of living. Genuine love, abhorring evil and clinging to good are a response to the mercies of God. Living in such a way is a sacrificial and holy way of life that pleases God. It is how we praise and worship God in daily life.
A.Application | Do I love God and others fully? How do I need to stop holding back in love with laziness or selfishness? Do I make my love for others about me? What moral compromises have I failed to hate and turn away form? Have I instead glued myself to worthless and worldly things or even good things that have become evils as they pull me away from God’s love? What morally appraised things am I not giving myself to and standing firm in? My devotional life? My commitment and investment in Christ’s church? The study of and memorization of God’s powerful Word? Am I filling not just my day but my mind with things that are pleasing to my Lord instead of my flesh?
P.Prayer | Father in view of your abundant mercies, the only right response is for me to live for your glory and praise. In all honesty, I have failed and lived for the praise and temporary pleasures of this world instead. Forgive me for all of the ways I’ve turned from your path. Renew in me a right spirit. Fill me with a hate for the evils of the sin you hate and a love for all that is pleasing to You today. That my life and my love would be more fully devoted to your glory. Let everything be for you and your glory. Amen.
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