Real Love

Real Love
By Don Vess

In Romans 12:6-8, we see a list of grace-gifts given by God to His people. These gifts vary and are essential to the Body of Christ, but there is one gift we have all been graced with—*love*. Romans 5:5 tells us that *“the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts.”* When Christ lives within us by His Spirit, His chief characteristic—love—begins to manifest in our lives. As 1 John 4:6-8 teaches, *God is love,* and when we live in Him, we reflect that love.

However, love can be counterfeited. It can be misused as a facade for selfish gain or manipulation. But real love, the kind Jesus commands us to have, is unconditional and sincere. Jesus said, *“Love each other just as much as I have loved you”* (John 13:34-35). This is how people will recognize that we are His followers—not by our words alone, but by the demonstration of real, sacrificial love.

Loving others, especially those we consider family or friends, can be difficult at times. But the real challenge comes when we are called to love our enemies. In today's world, where threats of violence, political division, and global unrest surround us, loving those who oppose or harm us can seem impossible. Yet, this is precisely the kind of love Christ calls us to practice.

Romans 12:9-10 (AMP) says, *“Let your love be sincere (a real thing); hate what is evil, but hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection, giving precedence and showing honor to one another.”* The Greek word for *“kindly affectionate”* here is *philostorgos,* which signifies deep, genuine love between friends—so deep that it’s as if they were members of the same family. This kind of love is authentic, sincere, and warm.

Paul also uses the phrase *“in honor preferring one another,”* meaning we should value others so highly that we want to see them succeed, even more than we desire our own success. This level of selflessness is a reflection of the real love that God has shown us through Christ.

Peter reinforces this idea in 1 Peter 4:8 (TPT), where he writes, *“Above all, constantly echo God’s intense love for one another, for love will be a canopy over a multitude of sins.”* The love we are called to have is one that forgives freely and covers the wrongs of others, just as God, through Christ, has forgiven us.

This type of love—real love—can only come from God. It’s the love that David experienced in his life. David loved the Lord with all his heart, as expressed in Psalm 18:1 (NASB): *“I love Thee, O Lord, my strength.”* He also experienced deep friendship with Jonathan, who loved David as much as he loved himself (1 Samuel 20:17). Even more remarkably, David demonstrated real love toward Saul, refusing to harm him even when given the chance, trusting instead in God’s righteous judgment.

Romans 12:15-21 (TPT) gives us practical instructions on how to live out real love:  
*“Speak blessing, not cursing, over those who reject and persecute you. Celebrate with those who celebrate, and weep with those who grieve. Live in harmony and be mindful of another’s worth as you are of your own. Don’t hold grudges or seek revenge, but leave justice to God. If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. Never let evil defeat you, but defeat evil with good.”*

This is the essence of real love. It is not easy, and it is not always convenient, but it is the love that God requires of us. Real love is not just a feeling; it is a discipline that springs from a heart transformed by God’s grace. It enables us to bless those who curse us, to forgive those who hurt us, and to serve those who oppose us. This kind of love defeats evil with good.

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**Prayer:**  
Lord, help me to love with a real, sincere heart. Teach me to love my enemies as You have loved me, and to bless those who curse me. Let my life be a reflection of Your love, and may it draw others closer to You. Amen.