Call it love

January 17, 2022 (Monday

 

After solid theological discussion, Paul tended to end his letter is a flurry of advice. This can be frustrating for the reader who would like more information on how and why to accomplish these things. Alas, they are left for us to puzzle through.

 

American have a saying, “fake it until you make it.” It’s a pep talk of sorts to encourage people to accomplish a goal. It means to do it, even if you don’t feel it. How does that fit into the idea of “love?” Paul admonishes, “Love should be shown without pretending. Hate evil, and hold on to what is good.” [Romans 12:9 CEB] Unfortunately we think of genuine love as just a strong feeling. Without the strong feelings, we think the person is acting in an insincere manner.

 

If we are going to truly love someone, then we have to stand up to evil and cling to good. It does nobody any good if we celebrate destructive choices and cheer sin. Hate is a very strong word in our culture. Our society states we should go to all lengths to avoid hate. Yet, things are destroying us. Can we not, in good conscious, hate those chains of slavery? While the follower of Jesus is able to separate the sin from the sinner (in theory), our culture does not. Identity is wrapped up in, according to our culture, behavior and preferences (applied inconsistently).

 

Maybe Paul did offer some advice on how to achieve love without pretending. “Love each other like the members of your family. Be the best at showing honor to each other.” [Romans 12:10 CEB] Family. Maybe not the best image. Families fight, but whatever the fight they are still chained together in this thing we call love. American culture is better at tearing people down (politics anyone) than building each other up. Healthy do NOT do this. Healthy families help and support each other when necessary. Healthy families sacrifice when necessary. Healthy families speak the truth in love and do not tolerate, celebrate, or cheer unhealthy behaviors.

 

In this battle of good and evil, sincerely struggling love others, Paul suggested, “Don’t hesitate to be enthusiastic—be on fire in the Spirit as you serve the Lord!” [Romans 12:11 CEB] I’m going to draw a line here. Enthusiasm looks different for different people. Honestly excited people scare me. I wonder if they have not thought things through. I wonder if associating with them will make me look silly. Zeal is the kind of perception that gets people (especially Pastors) crucified and burned at the stake for good measure. Paul encourages us not be lazy in serving God with enthusiasm. John Wesley advised, “Light yourself on fire with passion and people will come from miles to watch you burn.”

 

Finishing the chapter with a flourish and a long string of things to do and NOT do, Paul writes, “Don’t be defeated by evil, but defeat evil with good.” [Romans 12:21 CEB] Maybe that’s the “bottom line” of love. Jesus faced all the hatred and cruelty on the cross because He loves us. Thus, defeating evil with good. Call it love.