Romans 12:9: Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.
The book of 1st Corinthians 13 is referred to as the "Love Chapter" because it talks so much about the characteristics and qualities of Love. How that Love is not easily provoked, it is not puffed up, patient, hopes all things e.t.c.
But I've also realized that it is sometimes easy to pretend to have all these qualities of Love and that is why it is important to know that Love isn't something that should be faked.
WHAT IS SINCERITY?
Something free from pretense or deceit, proceeding from genuine feelings, not feigned.
IS IT POSSIBLE TO EXHIBIT LOVE AND IT WOULDN'T BE SINCERE?
YES
You might not be proud or arrogant, you might be patient, you are not rude, might be selfless, not easily provoked, do not think evil, hate sin, loves the truth e.t.c. and all of it might be out of pretense, it might be just for show.
WHAT SINCERE LOVE ISN'T:
The book of Romans 8:5-6 says; For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.
1. Love isn't Lust:
Lust is also a strong desire and not strong affection or feeling for something or someone. This is what makes people want to keep the relationship on a fantasy level, not discuss real feelings. It does not want to be committed, it is not honest, and it is mostly on pretense. Lust contradicts all that the Love chapter says.
2. It is not Eye Service
Eph 6:6 says that; not by the way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart.
When you find yourself always doing things only when you are trying to please someone or some people. You aren't exhibiting love even if what you are doing is good.
3. Love isn't done because of what you will get in return, it is unconditional and selfless.
You are always meant to look to others' interests. Nothing should ever be done out of selfish ambition or conceit.
Luke 6:35 says you should love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil.
WHAT SINCERE LOVE IS:
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things (Phil 4:8)
1st Corinthians 13:4-8 also says; Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, they will pass away.
A perfect replica is our Lord Jesus Christ. He came to this world and loved us first even when most people didn't understand or even accept what He came to offer. Bible even makes us realize that God is Love. Even though you and I might not be able to exhibit all what sincere love is at once, we should keep working towards it till we can and then we should pray for the grace to always love genuinely.
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