Love Without Hypocrisy

Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good.
—Romans 12:9

Hypocrisy is “a pretense of having some desirable or publicly approved attitude” (dictionary.com). The Greek word that was used in Romans 12:9 for “without hypocrisy” was “anupokritos,” and it means “unfeigned, undisguised” (Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon). A Christian who loves “without hypocrisy” is sincere, honest, and transparent. He has no need to pretend to be something that he isn’t. He’s secure in his relationship with God.

Paul continued in this verse, still talking about love: “Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good.” “Abhor” means “to detest utterly.” True love hates the things that hurt those we love. If we don’t hate the things that steal, kill, and destroy someone, then our love isn’t God’s kind of love. And if we don’t hate evil, our love for God is hypocritical. 

Often, real feelings are hidden behind a self-righteous mask. While it’s important to be tactful and avoid intentionally hurting others, there are times and places when speaking the truth in love is necessary.

In Leviticus 19:17, the Lord commanded, “You shall not hate your brother in your heart. You shall surely rebuke your neighbor, and not bear sin because of him.” 

This verse is saying that if we fail to reprimand our brother or sister when we see sin, then we hate them. Many people have hidden their true feelings about evil under the pretense of loving someone too much to hurt their feelings. However, the truth is a person who is unable to speak the truth in love is a hypocrite. They say nothing because they run the risk of being rejected. 

We must love the sinner but hate the sin. It’s impossible to truly love someone with the kind of love that comes from God without hating anything that threatens their well-being. There is a righteous type of anger that isn’t sin (Matthew 21:12). Our anger should never be at our brother or sister in Christ. Our anger is at the devil for defrauding, swindling, and deceiving them. 

We reveal the truth of the enemy’s lies with God’s unconditional love and grace, never with a “I’m better than you” attitude. God’s love is perfectly good and full of mercy. His love sees beyond the fault in us and sees our need. His love reveals the real intentions of the heart, not only the heart of the one we love, but also ours. The true love of God is never above anyone else. It comes to serve. God’s love in us can draw someone to repentance.

Is your heart hurting for someone right now? Perhaps, a brother or sister in Christ that has been deceived by the enemy? They may be blind to the fact that their sin and their attitude is stealing the abundant life Jesus has for them, or they may be fully aware of their sin and think that they care less. Deep within, they don't care less. Deep within, they are scared to death. You can see them restored. You can see them healed. How much do you love them? Really love them? Enough to risk their rejection and anger? Enough to say, “I’m hurting for you and where you are right now. Will you let me help you, friend?”

Love with the love of Jesus. He looked beyond your fault and saw your need. You can do the same. Let your love be without hypocrisy.