Marks of the True Christian (Part 1)
Romans 12:9 “Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.”
Dissimulation means hiding under a false appearance or also saying hypocrisy. The book of Matthew chapter 22 verses :
37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
38 This is the first and great commandment.
39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.
If we have this sincere love in our hearts, we will be able to love our enemies, bless them that curse us and pray for those that despitefully use us. It is a love that comes into our hearts as a borned again believer in Jesus Christ. I couldn’t truly do this when I was unsaved.
Abhor means extreme hatred. I hate sin. I hate what sin does to families and the utter destruction that it leads to. Proverbs 6 verses 16-19 says,
16. These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him:
17. A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,
18. An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief,
19. A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.
When I was unsaved, there was pleasure in sin but it would be just for a season. (By the way, seasons end) When I repented of my sins and accepted Christ as my saviour, I came to the understanding that Jesus would give me life and give it to me more abundantly. I am so thankful for everlasting life.
Cleave means to hold to. 1 Timothy 6:12 says, “Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.” We need to be rooted and grounded in the Word of God and be faithful unto death. Study, read, listen, assemble, fellowship with other True Believers in Christ and continue to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
God Bless you once again for taking time to read this and I hope and pray as always, it will be a help to you. I will continue with the other verses throughout the coming weeks. Pastor Shayne Monday
