Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.

Romans 12:9

When we think a someone being a marked man, we think of someone who has been target in a negative way, but there are certain markers in the life of a Christ follower that are anything but negative. This week we will consider these practical aspects of Christianity.

It is not by accident that Paul begins this list with love, but notice that Paul isn’t speaking of some kind of emotional response instead, Paul describes love as an action, a way of being that is marked most of all by sincerity. There are those who want you to feel loved and there are others who actually love you. You can recognize the difference between a sincere love and a hypocritical self-serving kind of attention, can’t you?

Love that is sincere is free of deceit, free of hypocrisy. Sincere love is marked by a sense of genuineness. As Paul wrote to the Corinthians, “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres” (1 Corinthians 13: 4-7)

Authentic love is complicated. Now, in the last week we have been told that gender Is determined by the individual and abortion is essential healthcare These are not political issues, they are issues in clear conflict with Biblical teaching.  Take a look at Genesis 1-3 or Jeremiah’s description in Jeremiah 1:4-5. 

We should abhor these kinds of evil and still we are called to live lives of love.