How often do we pretend to be interested in someone else’s life. When we say, “How are you” we secretly hope that the person will respond with, “Good.” It feels awkward if they answer any other way. When we see people in the store, we walk down the opposite aisle to avoid them. The only people we truly love are the ones close to us. We put up walls and fail to trust others. Sometimes we struggle with loving others as Romans 12:9-10 states: “Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.”
Don’t pretend to love others; really love them. When you say you are going to pray for someone, do it right then and there! How many times do we say we are going to pray for someone and then we never do? Show others you love them by really caring and investing in them. Hate what is wrong- hate the things you say or do that do not bring honor to the Lord. Hold tightly to righteousness. Cling to all that is good. Love your neighbors, your friends, your families, and even your enemies with genuine affection. Always take delight in honoring each other.
This is how you can truly love each other and show each other honor. We must love more than just the people who are easy to love or the people who are close to us. We can show the love of God to the world by being real.