CWW Week 35 - Hatred - Day 3

Devotional: Real Love Rejects Evil

Scripture:
“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.” – Romans 12:9 (NIV)

Love is a word we hear all the time—in songs, movies, slogans, and social media captions. But according to the Bible, love is far more than just a warm feeling or a kind gesture. In Romans 12:9, Paul gives us a clear and challenging definition: real love is sincere, hates what is evil, and holds tightly to what is good.

This verse is short, but it packs a punch. Paul isn’t talking about a vague or passive kind of love. He’s calling us to a genuine, discerning love—a love that doesn’t turn a blind eye to sin or injustice, but one that actively resists evil and embraces goodness with conviction.

Let’s unpack what this looks like in real life.

1. Sincere Love Is Authentic

The word “sincere” in this verse comes from a Greek word meaning “without hypocrisy.” In Paul’s time, actors wore masks in the theatre to play different roles. A hypocrite was someone pretending to be something they weren’t. Paul says: don’t do that with love. Don’t fake it.

Sincere love doesn’t say the right things while harbouring resentment. It doesn’t smile on the outside while criticising behind someone’s back. It doesn’t offer help just to gain favour or approval.

True, godly love is honest. It celebrates with others genuinely, mourns with those who mourn, and stays consistent in word and action. It’s not manipulative or shallow—it’s rooted in Christ, who loved without condition or deceit.

2. Hate What Is Evil

This part of the verse can feel uncomfortable. We often associate hate with negativity or cruelty—but here, Paul gives us permission to hate. Not people. Not inconveniences. But evil.

We’re not meant to tolerate or excuse what God calls wrong. Whether it’s injustice, abuse, lies, pride, or immorality—love doesn’t ignore evil; it actively resists it. Why? Because evil destroys what God made good. It hurts people. It breaks relationships. It separates us from the life God wants for us.

When we truly love someone, we hate what harms them. In the same way, if we love God, we must learn to hate the things that go against His nature—while still showing grace and mercy to those caught up in them.

3. Cling to What Is Good

The word “cling” here means to be glued or bonded to something. Paul is urging us to hold on tightly to what is good, even when it’s unpopular or hard.

The world around us is full of compromise. It’s tempting to relax our standards or go with the flow just to keep the peace. But followers of Jesus are called to a different standard. We’re meant to pursue goodness with determination, choosing honesty over deceit, purity over compromise, and kindness over cruelty.

Clinging to what is good doesn’t mean we become self-righteous or harsh. It means we stay anchored in God’s truth, walking with both conviction and compassion. Goodness, after all, is not just about being right—it’s about being Christlike.

Reflection Questions

1. Is there an area in your life where your love has become shallow or insincere? What needs to change?
2. Do you find yourself tolerating things you know God calls evil? How can you develop a deeper hatred for sin without becoming judgmental?
3. What are some ways you can actively cling to what is good in your thoughts, choices, and relationships this week?

Prayer

Dear Lord, Papa God,
Thank You for showing me what real love looks like through Jesus. I don’t want to live with a shallow or fake love. Teach me to love sincerely—without masks, manipulation, or selfish motives. Help me to hate what is evil, not out of pride or anger, but because it harms what You love. Give me the wisdom and courage to cling to what is good, even when it’s hard or unpopular. Let my life reflect Your heart: full of grace, truth, and unwavering love.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.

Have a great day today with Jesus.

Graham Hood.