It Starts Small

The CSB uses the word hypocrisy. The definition of hypocrisy is the practice of claiming to have moral standards or beliefs to which one’s own behavior does not. The KJV uses the word dissimulation. Dissimulation refers to a type of deception in which one aims to obscure the truth. NIV uses the word sincere.

The Greek word used is anypokritos and means unfeigned, undisguised, sincere. True love is to be sincere, real and genuine.

Paul is teaching us that we should never use the idea of love as a method of getting something we want. We should never disguise loving actions as a method to deceive and manipulate others. We also have to guard ourselves from the flattery of others because we think someone is speaking or doing nice things for us. We need to guard ourselves against someone or ourselves being buttered up so that when we or they are not around, they are stabbed int he back.

True love manifests in word AND deed.

True love is holy. Paul teaches us to genuinely love and then we are to hate evil and cling to what is good. The KJV uses the word abhor. It means that we are to view sin as with disgust and hatred. This does not mean we view the sinner this way, but sin. Paul is also reminding us that love must not confused with warm sentiment or warm feelings. Love does not only express its self with a pat on the back or encouragement. Love does not tolerate evil. Love might mean speaking kindly and gently towards each other when we have done wrong.

Paul then states that true love is also a familial love. He says love your brothers and sisters, deeply. Fellow believers in Christ understand that we are all one big huge family. We call each other brothers and sisters. We can take for granted the word brothers and sisters. When we journey through God’s Word we see that we do not call each other friend, or fellow citizen of heaven, or even fellow church member. No we address each other as a brother and sister in Christ. The church is not four walls and a roof. The church of Christ is made up of all those who have received Him.

The love we’re called to as Christians is utterly unlike the world’s definition of love, and infinitely better.

Holy love is the type of love that does not love bomb others. It never seeks to satisfy your own selfish needs and desires. Paul says be genuine in love. To be genuine we must never use the idea of love to get what we want, but instead, allow the love of God to motivate encouragement and building up of others.

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