Let Love Be Without Hypocrisy — Romans 12:9

Main Idea

Pope Shenouda III discusses the meaning of true brotherly love, explaining that it must be sincere and without hypocrisy, rather than merely words or an outward appearance. A person who truly loves should have consistent feelings and actions both in the presence and absence of others, and should not praise someone to his face while speaking badly about him behind his back. He emphasizes that brotherly love is strong, pure, and sincere, making a person care about his brother’s comfort and happiness more than his own personal interests.

Spiritual Message

The Pope presents many biblical and spiritual examples of brotherly love, such as the love of David and Jonathan, Joseph’s love for his brothers despite what they had done to him, Moses’ love for his people, Abraham’s love for Lot, and Ruth’s love for Naomi. This love is demonstrated through faithfulness, forgiveness, defending others, and refusing to abandon them in times of difficulty. True love does not mean supporting wrongdoing, because Christian love must remain pure and holy in Christ Jesus.

Educational Lesson

The teaching shows us that a person should not always seek the first position or personal honor, but should honor others and allow them to receive what is better. The Pope gives the example of Abraham, who allowed Lot to choose the land first, and David, who respected Saul as the Lord’s anointed even though David himself had been anointed king. He also connects this with Christ’s teaching, in which He called His disciples to reject the spirit of domination and the pursuit of status, and taught that whoever wants to be first should become a servant of all.

Practical Application

The spiritual application is for each person to examine his love for others: Is it sincere both in their presence and absence? Does he truly care about his brother’s comfort and happiness? Can he give up a right or personal honor for the sake of his brother? Brotherly love is demonstrated through sacrifice, faithfulness, humility, forgiveness, and giving others honor, while maintaining truth and purity. The Christian is called to love his brother with genuine love, like the love of one brother for another, and to make this love a means of building others up and serving them.

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