The word ‘sincere’ in verse 9 derives from a mask worn by an actor in Greek theatre. Paul insists that any gap between mask and face, between talking the talk and walking the walk, simply won’t do; love must, literally, be ‘without mask’. Offering our gifts as a living sacrifice means, Paul insists, we cannot be actors who pretend when it comes to love.

Paul illustrates what sincere love looks like in verses 9b–13. In the original, all these examples are in one long sentence. Throughout these verses, Paul’s stress is upon us being ‘without mask’. We are to be what we profess without exception. And where there is a gap, to refuse to be condemned but seek the Spirit’s power, so that the gap will close (Romans 8:1–4,12–17). Then we can burn even more brightly in the Spirit as we serve the Lord (v 11).

It appears that Paul’s focus shifts from the church to the world, in verses 14–21. Yet the call is still to a similar integrity, being genuine in our empathy (v 15), doing all we can to live in peace with others (vs 16–18) and refusing to seek to get even with anyone, trusting God for vindication (vs 19–21).

… love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.’¹ Pray now for any individuals who you find difficult to love.

We know that love is at the centre of our faith in Jesus – love is the ‘most excellent way’² – but here Paul brings fresh challenge to believers living in the diverse Roman church. Love is to be ‘sincere’ (v 9). Living alongside Christians of different traditions, backgrounds and social status brings subtle temptations. Do we truly honour others above ourselves in our own church (v 10)?

Echoing Jesus’ teaching from the Sermon on the Mount, Paul’s words exhort us to blessing, not cursing; to being humble-hearted, not proud; to being empathic and compassionate towards others; to building harmony, not stoking conflict. We are to live joyfully, hopefully, patiently and prayerfully (v 12)³ and to welcome others into our lives with generosity (v 13). Take time to allow these words to question your life over the past day or so. In the light of these verses, is our own loving in the challenging situations we face always ‘sincere’ (v 9)? Paul’s words about ‘spiritual fervour’ (v 11) prompt a recentring on the goal of ‘serving the Lord’. Sometimes, caught up in our own busy enthusiasms, our primary focus may not be about serving God or loving our brothers and sisters in Christ.

Might it be that sometimes this exhortation to love is not so easy?⁴ Perhaps we sometimes even feel that it’s not right to ‘turn … the other cheek’? Counterintuitively, Paul holds up for us the person who has wronged us (vs 19–21) – and shows us another way to respond. The radical loving that he suggests (vs 20,21), points to the sovereign God in whom we place our trust (v 19). And, who knows? In our loving, faithful obedience to him, the heart of our enemy might be turned towards God.

Does this description of love-in-action challenge any aspects of your daily living? Confess to God now and ask him to help you ‘overcome evil with good’ (v 21).

¹ John 13:34  ² 1 Cor 12:31  ³ Cf Gal 5:22–26  ⁴ Matt 5:38–48