Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Romans 12:9

"Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good." — Romans 12:9 (ASV)

“Love” (GK 27) is primary, but if it is not sincere, it is not real love but only pretense. In 1 Corinthians Paul paused in his discussion of spiritual gifts to inject a chapter on love (1 Corinthians 13); thus it is fitting that he should follow his presentation of spiritual gifts here in Romans with the same emphasis. The whole conduct of believers should be bathed in love. Failure to love our fellow Christians casts doubt on our professed love for God .

Love readily suggests purity. The two are found together in God, who is of too pure eyes to behold evil (Habakkuk 1:13) and cannot be tempted by it (James 1:13). Hatred of evil therefore readily follows love. To “cling to what is good” (v.9) is to be wedded to it. Total commitment leaves neither time nor inclination to court evil.

In v.10, the apostle puts love in a living context. It must be shown to people, not lavished on a principle. He uses a special term here denoting “brotherly love” (GK 5789). “Devoted” is appropriate, since it customarily denotes the family tie. Believers are members of the family of God.

“Honor one another above yourselves” (v.10). To “honor” (GK 5507) is to accord recognition and show appreciation. This is based not on some personal attractiveness or usefulness but rather on the fact that every Christian has Christ in the heart and can express him through one’s own individuality. We honor God when we recognize his transforming work in our lives. If the according of such honor seems to diminish the recognition of what God has done in our own lives, the problem is readily solved by the example of the Son’s exalting of God the Father despite the Son’s equality with him .