Romans 12:9–21 – A Heart Exam for Every Believer
Love is a Holy Spirit generated, selfless
commitment to the well-being of another—that
creates warm regard for them—and results in
outward deeds that correspond with love—as
shaped by Scripture.
In Romans 12:9–21, Paul gives us a clear picture of what this kind of love looks like in action. These 25 directives are not abstract ideals—they are deeply practical evidences of a heart being renewed by Christ. Let each one serve as both encouragement and conviction, as we strive to love in a manner worthy of the gospel.
1. Love is genuine
Let love be without hypocrisy. — Romans 12:9a
True Christian love is sincere, not performative. We’re called to love others with integrity—not masking our selfishness with religious niceties.
2. Love hates evil
Abhor what is evil. — Romans 12:9b
Love and holiness are not at odds. In fact, genuine love demands a hatred for what destroys others.
3. Cling to what is good
Cling to what is good. — Romans 12:9c
The believer isn’t merely avoiding evil—we actively pursue and hold fast to what honors Christ.
4. Love is devoted
Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. — Romans 12:10a
Christian love is family love. It’s tender, loyal, and sacrificial—a reflection of our adoption into the household of God.
5. Love prefers others
Give preference to one another in honor. — Romans 12:10b
Rather than seeking recognition for ourselves, we’re called to elevate others.
6. Love is diligent
not lagging behind in diligence. — Romans 12:11a
Love doesn’t drift into passivity. It shows up with commitment, ready to serve even when it’s hard or unnoticed.
7. Love is fervent
Fervent in spirit. — Romans 12:11b
This is love that burns. It’s energized by the Spirit and marked by zeal for God and for others.
8. Love serves
Serving the Lord. — Romans 12:11c
Every act of love is ultimately rendered unto Christ. He is the reason we serve others faithfully and sacrificially.
9. Love rejoices
Rejoicing in hope. — Romans 12:12a
Our joy is rooted in the eternal hope we have in Christ.
10. Love perseveres
Persevering in tribulation. — Romans 12:12b
Love isn’t crushed by hardship. It endures, knowing trials refine our faith.
11. Devoted to prayer
Devoted to prayer. — Romans 12:12c
A loving life is a prayerful life. Constant communion with God keeps our hearts aligned and our love sincere.
12. Love is generous
Contributing to the needs of the saints. — Romans 12:13a
Love opens the hand. It shares resources and meets needs within the body.
13. Love is hospitable
Practicing hospitality. — Romans 12:13b
Love makes room—at the table, in the schedule, in the home.
14. Love overcomes persecution
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. — Romans 12:14
This is radical love—responding to harm with kindness.
15. Love sympathizes
Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. — Romans 12:15
True love feels deeply. It enters into both joy and sorrow.
16. Love is humble
Humility is unifying — Romans 12:16a
Love doesn’t seek self-exaltation. It lays down pride to pursue harmony and fellowship with others.
17. Love is unified
Be of the same mind toward one another. — Romans 12:16a
Believers are called to walk in unity, anchored in Christ, pursuing peace with one another.
18. Love rules out arrogance
Do not be haughty in mind. — Romans 12:16b
Genuine love is never puffed up. It doesn’t elevate self but embraces humility.
19. Love esteems everyone
Associate with the lowly. — Romans 12:16c
Love values the overlooked and embraces those the world would cast aside.
20. Love is teachable
Do not be wise in your own estimation. — Romans 12:16d
Love listens. It is not self-assured but humbly receives correction.
21. Love never retaliates
Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. — Romans 12:17a
Christians don’t get even. Love removes the desire to inflict harm in return for harm received.
22. Love regards what is good
Respect what is right in the sight of all men. — Romans 12:17b
Even before unbelievers, we pursue what is honorable and above reproach.
23. Love is peaceable
If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men. — Romans 12:18
While peace may not always be possible, we should never be the reason it isn’t.
24. Love never takes revenge
Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God. — Romans 12:19
Vengeance belongs to the Lord. We trust His justice instead of seeking our own.
25. Love Overcomes Evil
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. — Romans 12:21
The believer’s answer to evil is goodness. In this, we reflect the triumph of Christ over sin and death.
