God's Glory Church

“Let love not be hypocritical; hate evil and cling to good!” — Romans 12:9

When we park our car near a wasteland and walk home through it, we almost always bring weed seeds with us, especially in the fall. Little “companions” cling to clothes, shoes and things to get to new places of stay. This is the natural way many weeds throughout the world spread their seeds.

Carefully removing these seeds from my belongings, I often remember the Apostle Paul’s call to believers in Jesus: “Cling to what is good” (Rom. 12:9). When we try to love others, we know how difficult it is. However, the Holy Spirit helps us with all our strength to hold on to what is good, and therefore we are able to show “unfeigned” love (v. 9).

Weed seeds cannot be simply shaken off by hand. It holds tightly to the fabric. If we focus on the good and remember God’s commandments of mercy and compassion, then with His help we will be able to stay close to those we love. God helps us to “[love] one another with brotherly love” and to put other people’s needs before our own (v. 10).

Yes, weeds are a problem. However, they also remind me of the fact that the Lord has called me to serve my neighbors with love and with His help to “cling to good” (v. 9; see also Phil. 4:8-9).

How can the exhortation to hold on to the good help you love a friend or relative with a difficult personality? Why is true love also persistent love?

Lord Jesus, remind me of the need to hold on to the good with all my might. I desire to reflect Your love to others.

Author: Katara Patton