Genuine

Visiting Chinatown in New York City is an interesting experience. While some tourists are attracted to this neighborhood for the authentic cuisine, most visit to purchase brand-name merchandise. Oakley sunglasses, Rolex watches, and Coach purses are available at only a fraction of the cost; in fact, one could likely purchase one of each for under $100. There is only one problem; they are fake! Buyers are well aware that their purchases are cheap knockoffs of the original, which is part of the fun many have in their purchase. Still, owners of these brand names do not have the same level of enjoyment; the name and reputation they have worked hard to build are exploited and placed on something of inferior quality.

The apostle Paul warned of cheap imitations, though his interests far surpassed that of fake Rolexes. In his admonitions to the Roman Christians, he stated, “Let love be genuine” (12:9a). If this were stated in the negative, it might read, “Don’t let your love be phony!” This admonition is quickly followed by another that stresses the genuineness of Christian love: “Love one another with brotherly affection.” This love seeks to do what is best for a fellow member of God’s family.

God is serious about how His “brand name” love is displayed. He makes it clear there is no room for treating one another with disrespect, letting grudges go unresolved, or simply not caring. This is evidenced in the word Paul used, which commands a familial love; it is a love that treats another as kindly as one should treat his or her parents or siblings. English translations vary in how this word is brought into English, with some emphasizing the devoted nature of this love (New International Version and New English) while others emphasize the affectionate aspect of this love (King James Version, New American Standard Bible, English Standard Version). The use of the two terms collectively helps to see a clearer picture of what Paul intends: an affectionate love displayed with intense family devotion.

Living up to this standard is achieved only by those who are committed to a genuine relationship with God. Like all human relationships, Christians are not immune to trouble; hurt feelings, harsh words, misread situations, and apathetic attitudes can invade the sanctity of the relationships God wants for His people. If allowed to fester, such attitudes will produce distance, suspicion, and phoniness. It is through the power of God that one can overcome these things that seek to destroy and build an affection that is strongly devoted to the well-being of a fellow Christian. Such a relationship is nourished by not only putting away the negatives but by vigorously pursuing those things that will make the relationship stronger. Like any family relationship, time in both quality and quantity must be devoted to meeting the Lord’s expectations.

This first Sunday of the new year is a good time to focus on increasing brotherly affection and devotion. While resolutions made this time of year are quickly broken, may each make a firm commitment to live up to God’s expectations. Consider the following affirmations to live up to this commitment.

• I will forgive a brother or sister for a wrong that has been committed

• I will apologize to a brother or sister for a wrong I have committed

• I will give my spiritual family the benefit of the doubt

• I will bury grudges held over differences of opinion

• I will seek to greet as many fellow Christians as possible each Sunday

• I will send notes/texts (or make calls) of encouragement

• I will open my home in Christian hospitality

• I will speak only what is kind and helpful to/about my brothers and sisters

Many other affirmations could be added to this list; however, these are sufficient to grow in devoted affection toward one another. May each commit to godly love that seeks to help fellow travelers on their road home where all will live together in the glory and love of their God.