In Romans 12:9, Paul gives this pivotal statement: “Let love be without hypocrisy.” This is a call for our love to be genuine. Hypocrisy, by contrast, is saying nice things when we don’t mean it, or doing good deeds just to get something in return. This sin problem extends to all our relationships, even within the church. So how do we know if our love is hypocritical? 1 John 3:20 gives us a simple guide, “For if our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart and knows all things.” So we need not need despair: if we’re truly redeemed, God, through his Spirit and His Word, will cut through the confusion and show us our hypocrisy, so that we can genuinely love others as Christ loves us (John 13:34).

 

Sermon: https://churchandfamilylife.com/sermons/683d3eb8466c06ff70c715d4

Let Love Be Without Hypocrisy Romans chapter 12 gives us insights on how we're meant to live and relate to one another, really to create a wonderful culture in the Church of Jesus Christ. So in Romans 12.9 we have a pivotal statement, let love be without hypocrisy. This is a call for love to be real, to be sincere and genuine. The Greek word for hypocrisy is hu-pa-cretos, which literally means to act out, to wear a mask, to fake, to pretend you're someone else, to project an image that's false. John says it this way, If you say you love God and hate your brother, you're a liar.

So how do you know if your love is hypocritical? 1 John 3.20 gives us a really simple guide. For if our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart and knows all things. Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence toward God. I think the Lord is saying, I will let you know of the hypocrisy in your heart, and I want you to know about it.

Generally, you know when you're being hypocritical. And if you are a believer, your heart will condemn you. God will show us through His Spirit and His Word. As 1 John 4, 7 says, Love is of God, and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God, For God is love.

The Lord Jesus said, love one another as I have loved you. He teaches us how to love. This love in the church is what Francis Schaeffer called the final apologetic for Christianity. It's not just what we say, it's not just our sound doctrine, but whether we love one another or not. The growth of a Church of Jesus Christ is not most profoundly measured by numbers or wealth or talent, but by genuine love.

Let love be without hypocrisy. The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever. Scripture applied as a production of Church and Family Life. Visit churchandfamilylife.com for more resources.