Authentic Love: Living the Gospel

When Paul wrote to the church in Rome, he didn’t describe a community where everyone just smiled politely and got along on the surface. He described a family bound together by authentic love—love that is sincere, truthful, devoted, patient, generous, and hospitable.

Romans 12:9–13 makes this clear: “Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them.” That short command hits hard. Because if we’re honest, it’s easier to pretend. It’s easier to say the right things while keeping people at a distance, or to offer politeness without true care. But Paul says that real love can’t stay at surface level—it must be sincere and rooted in truth.

This passage also reminds us that love isn’t just about being nice. Paul says we must hate what is evil and cling to what is good. In other words, love without truth isn’t really love at all. God calls us to love people enough to speak truth, even when it’s uncomfortable, and to align our love with His will.

The gospel itself is our example. Romans 5:8 declares, “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Jesus didn’t wait until we were lovable; He loved us at our worst and made us new. That same love empowers us to love others, even the hard-to-love.

Authentic love also shows up in action—through honoring one another, persevering with patience, keeping hope alive, praying for each other, meeting needs, and practicing hospitality. In other words, it’s not just what we feel; it’s what we do.

Imagine if we truly lived this out. What if Lifehouse became known not just as a friendly church, but as a community where masks come off, grace and truth walk hand in hand, and hospitality is a way of life? That kind of love would point people straight to Jesus.

The world doesn’t need a church that’s just nice. It needs a church that’s real. Let’s be that church.