“Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.”
— Romans 12:9 KJV
Reflection on Today's Verse
Real Love No Filters: Paul doesn’t waste words here. He’s basically saying, “Hey, stop faking love like it’s some Instagram filter.” No Photoshop, no curated captions. Genuine love is raw, honest, and—brace yourself—not always comfortable.
Now, about that “abhor what is evil” bit. The word “abhor” is heavy. Paul didn’t say, “mildly dislike” or “casually scroll past” evil. He said abhor, which is biblical-speak for “run from it like it’s a bad MLM pitch.” You don’t entertain it, excuse it, or laugh nervously at its jokes. You shut the door in its face.
And then there’s the gold nugget: “Hold fast to what is good.” This isn’t a passive “meh, I’ll try to be nice today.” It’s a cling-for-dear-life, white-knuckle grip on goodness. Imagine you’re holding a tray of tacos in a windstorm—that’s how fiercely you grab onto what’s good. Why? Because good things tend to slip away if you’re not intentional.
This verse isn’t about surface-level niceties. It’s about getting into the trenches of life with love that’s messy, holy, and a little risky. It’s real love—the kind that calls out evil but also throws lifelines of grace. So next time you’re tempted to “love” someone with a polite nod and a mental eye-roll, remember: Paul’s not here for the lukewarm. Be real, hate the bad stuff, and cling to goodness like your soul depends on it—because, well, it kind of does.
Personal Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for loving me with a love that’s real, unfiltered, and everlasting. Help me reflect that same genuine love to others, not just in words, but in action and truth. Teach me to recognize and abhor what is evil—not to excuse it, tolerate it, or let it creep into my heart. Instead, give me the courage to stand firm in Your goodness and cling tightly to what is right, even when it’s inconvenient or uncomfortable.
Lord, purify my motives. Let my love be free from pretense and selfishness. Mold my heart to mirror Yours—compassionate, forgiving, and fiercely committed to what is good. When I’m tempted to fake kindness or compromise on truth, remind me of Your call to authenticity and holiness.
Give me discernment, God, to walk in Your ways. Strengthen me to love as You love, to hate what You hate, and to cherish what You cherish. And in all things, may my life bring glory to You.
In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.