Hold To What Is Good

Sincere Love

In Romans 12:9, the apostle Paul gives us clear instructions:

“Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good.”

True love is always sincere. Loving without hypocrisy (being two-faced or insincere) means we do not fake our care for others. This is the kind of love we must show to everyone, especially our fellow believers.

Hate What Is Evil

A person who loves God must abhor (deeply hate or detest) what is evil. We should have no desire to participate in things that do not please God.

For example, we should avoid movies, music, or video games that make sin look fun, normal, or exciting. We cannot love God while entertaining ourselves with what He hates.

Hold Tight to What Is Good

A follower of God must hold tightly to what is good. We need to clear evil out of our lives and cling to goodness, just like a person stranded in the sea clings to a life vest. We must never let go of the good things God has given us.

Unfortunately, some people do the exact opposite of what Paul commands. They love what is evil and hate what is good.

The Bible describes people who cannot sleep until they have planned something wicked (Micah 2:1) and who rush to do evil (Proverbs 1:10-16). These people do not have true love; they only use others for their own gain.

We must protect ourselves by keeping our distance from those who would pull us into harm. Let your love be real—hate what is evil, and hold fast to what is good.