We are talking about real love. Real love is so powerful it overcomes evil. How do you know if someone’s love is real?

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Romans 12:9-10 “Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor;”

Real love abhors evil and holds on to what is good. The sign that love might not be real, is when the person holds on to evil and won’t let go of it. They abhor or turn away from what is good. Some examples of hypocrisy, “It’s ok to lie if the result is good.” “It’s ok to steal if we are helping someone in need.” “It’s ok to cheat if the system is bad.” “It’s ok to make fun of one another as long as we do it to each other in fun.”

Real love is devoted and honors others by giving them their choice. The sign that love might not be real, is when a person doesn’t give others their preference. They want what is best for themselves, but not for others. They get their own way most of the time and are not devoted to help others.

Prayer coaching: “Jesus, help me to not hold on to evil and hold on to what is good. Help me be devoted to others by giving them their freedom to choose for themselves.”

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Romans 12:11-12 “not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer,”

Real love is diligent and fervent to serve the Lord. The sign that love might not be real, is when the person is only diligent to serve themselves as their own master of their lives. They won’t include Jesus in their decisions. They won’t obey Jesus unless it benefits themselves.

Real love rejoices because of hope, and perseveres in difficulty, and is devoted to pray to Jesus. The sign that love might not be real, is when the person gives up when things are difficult. They easily give up all hope. They aren’t devoted to pray to Jesus all the time. They might only pray to bless the food or open a meeting.

Prayer coaching: “Jesus, I want to be diligent to serve You as Master of my life every day. Move me toward you each day. Jesus, help me hold on to hope and have joy. Guard me in difficulty and put strength in me to not give up. Help me be devoted to talk to You.”