Book of Romans - Chapter 12 - Verse 9

When the Bible verse says, "Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good," it is emphasizing the importance of genuine, sincere love. The word "dissimulation" refers to insincerity or hypocrisy, so the verse is urging believers to love others genuinely and without pretense. It also instructs believers to have a strong moral compass by hating evil and holding fast to what is good. By abhorring evil, individuals are called to actively reject sinful behaviors and attitudes. Additionally, by clinging to what is good, believers are encouraged to seek righteousness and to follow God's commandments. Ultimately, this verse teaches that true love involves both a rejection of evil and a steadfast commitment to goodness, reflecting the righteousness of God.

Within this verse, we are urged to let our love be genuine and sincere, without any hint of hypocrisy. The word 'dissimulation' is translated from the Greek word 'anupokritos,' which means 'unfeigned' or 'without hypocrisy.' This emphasizes the importance of authenticity and truthfulness in our expressions of love towards others. Furthermore, we are instructed to abhor evil and cling steadfastly to what is good. The word 'abhor' is translated from the Greek 'apostugeo,' which carries the connotation of a deep hatred and disgust towards evil. On the other hand, 'cleave' comes from 'kollao,' which implies a strong attachment or union with what is virtuous and honorable. By juxtaposing these contrasting attitudes towards evil and good, this verse reinforces the idea of actively choosing righteousness and rejecting wickedness in our daily lives. Overall, this verse serves as a moral compass, guiding believers to embody genuine love, detest evil, and passionately pursue goodness.