Romans 12:9
Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.
“Love must be sincere”
No fake smiles. No surface-level greetings. No church masks.
“Hate what is evil”
We wouldn’t just avoid evil — we’d be heartbroken by it.
“Cling to what is good”
We’d hold tightly to truth, integrity, mercy, and compassion.
1. Sincere Love Chooses Mercy Over Vengeance (Romans 12:19–21)
Romans 12:19-21
19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. 20 On the contrary:
“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”
21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Vengeance feels natural—but God says “that’s Mine, not yours.” This echoes Matthew 5:44.
Matthew 5:44
But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,
Genesis 50:20
20 You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.
You don’t overcome evil by matching it. You overcome it by doing good.
2. Sincere Love Honors Authority (Romans 13:1–5)
Romans 13:1-5
1 Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2 Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 3 For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. 4 For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. 5 Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience.
This was written during Roman rule where they were tough or even hostile to Christians. Yet Paul says: Authority comes from God, even if it’s imperfect.
Proverbs 21:1
In the Lord’s hand the king’s heart is a stream of water
that he channels toward all who please him.
Matthew 22:21
Therefore render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.
This doesn’t mean that we have to like our authority figures, but we do have to respect that God has a plan and he is ultimately in control. It also doesn’t mean we blindly obey injustice.
Acts 5:29
Peter and the other apostles replied: “We must obey God rather than human beings!
1 Tim 2:1–2
I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— 2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.
If we’re upset with the way that our house is ran, the way our workplaces are ran, or the way our country is ran… we need to pray because God ultimately has authority over all…
3. Sincere Love Lives with Integrity (Romans 13:6–7)
Romans 13:6-7
6 This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. 7 Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.
Paying taxes, showing up at work, and even respecting others are spiritual spiritual things.
Barbra Howard from Abbott Elementary -
“People don't have to like you, people don't have to love you, they don't even have to respect you, but when you look in the mirror, you better love what you see.”
We don’t need other people’s respect to show love and to be our true and authentic selves. We don’t need other’s approval, and we need to do everything in our power to live in God’s image, we better wake up and when we look in the mirror, and see God reflecting in our own lives. The world is going to beat you up, criticize you, and ridicule you for being a Christian and we are called to turn the other cheek.
Titus 3:1
Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good
Sincere love is public and private - not just warm fuzzies, but faithful living.
Conclusion
Romans 12:21
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Sincere love is how we fight back against a broken world—not with anger, but with goodness. Don’t match the evil, carry hidden bitterness, or fake love with polished words and a bitter heart. Instead - be radical in: Mercy, Honor, and Integrity. Romans 12:21 is not just a verse to memorize—it's a call to action.
We don’t fight a broken world by mirroring its bitterness or matching its hostility. We fight it through sincere love, radical mercy, and unwavering integrity. But this kind of love isn’t automatic. It starts in the heart and is shaped in prayer. We are called to a higher standard and to be lights in a very dark world. Hopefully by this and spreading the word, we can make the world brighter
