The Real Thing

Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.  Romans 12:9

From Guest Blogger Kathleen Lane:

Is it real?  Or is it fake?  Is it authentic?  Or is it counterfeit? These are important questions when shopping. We wouldn’t want to get scammed into spending thousands of dollars on a fake diamond ring. Whether we’re buying jewels, designer clothes, art, or our favorite NFL jersey … we are putting out big money, and we want to be sure that we are getting the real thing.

Authenticity is important as we make decisions about spending money. Authenticity is also important when it comes to love.

Romans 12:9 tells us “Love must be sincere.” In other words, love is to be real and honest. What is the difference between real love and fake love? First,  it has to do with the source of love and its motivation. “Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God … God is love.” (1 John 4:7ff) Real love comes from God. God’s love has no reason. It just is,  because that is the way God is. God loves us unconditionally; and He calls us to love in the same “no strings attached,” uncommon  way.

Fake love has some ulterior or selfish motivation. We pretend to love because we think there is something to be gained for ourselves. Fake love says, “I love you if …” or “I love you because …” or “I’ll love you when you …”

The other  difference between real love and fake love is actions. Real  love demonstrates itself by doing, by actively and sacrificially helping others. The apostle John expressed it this way: “Let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth” (1 John 3:18). God’s love for us is active as He provides for, protects, and empowers us.  His love is shown best in sacrificing the very life of His Son so that we could be redeemed to belong to Him forever. His very real love is what is at work in us, transforming us to be real in loving others.

How have you experienced the real love of God? How has your love for others been real and active? As you’re motivated by God’s sincere love for you, what needs to change? What specific things can you do to better reflect that love for others?

Prayer: Lord, let Your sincere love be at work in my heart.  Lead me in reflecting that real love to others. Amen.


#Uncommon