I’ve enjoyed watching the presidential debates. It’s interesting to hear the candidates’ plans for making the United States a better place to live. I’m particularly attentive during the post-debate interactions, as the candidates greet the studio audience. They seem so concerned about these people, but this morning, I wondered if their gestures are sincere. Are McCain and Obama really happy to talk to these people, or are they simply securing votes?
I also couldn’t help bringing that question a little closer to home. Am I guilty of insincere motives? When I ask someone, “How was your day?”, do I really want to know, or am I just small talking? Imagine how challenged I felt when I read the verse featured today: “Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them …” (Romans 12:9a, New Living Translation). Paul reminds us that our love should be genuine, at all times, and toward all people.
When we show genuine love, we model the professor of love – JESUS CHRIST. Earlier in Romans, Paul reminds us that “… God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners” (Romans 5:8, New Living Translation). Since HE loved us when we were unlovable, the least we can do is love each other, genuinely.
Love like CHRIST!