Scripture for Today: Romans 12:9 “Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.”

For twenty five years I lived without screens.  The French feel it ruins the appearance of a door or window.  But I love our screen door!  It brings in the light and the sunshine and helps me feel connected to the neighbors.  With it open, we can capture the breeze and keep the air fresh.  I especially like screening out the insects.  Unfortunately, in this older house the screen does not fit exactly to the frame.  There are gaps at the bottom and the top.  Some of those nasty insects still get through.

In our verse for today we are to screen out what is evil and only allow in what is good.  In that way our love for others is sincere.  A wide open door can allow a love in that is not sincere but tainted with evil.  Those little bothersome insects of selfishness come through making our love less sincere.  One can open wide the door for love to enter but allow entrance as well to all kinds of questionable thoughts and actions in the name of love.

A love that is sincere and without evil is described in I Corinthians 13:4-7.  This picture of true love has little resemblance to what is around me.  I need to screen out impatience, selfishness, pride, envy and an unforgiving spirit.  I need to open the door wide and cling to faithfulness, speaking truth and showing honor.  God’s Word tells me how to view love.  God’s Word tells me when love is sincere.  Without His Word, I would not be able to discern what is truly good and sincere.

Thank you Lord, for love that is sincere and good.  Give me wisdom to screen everything else out!