Cultural Goodness

“Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good.” (Romans 12:9 NLT)

A few months ago, there was a devastating storm in our region. It knocked down electricity, cell phone towers, and trees. Homes and businesses were damaged. In the midst of communal suffering, there was also goodness. People shared whatever they had to help each other. They volunteered to clear trees, donate money, cook food, lend tools, etc. Each act of generosity and kindness inspired others to do the same.

Cultural goodness can be just as contagious as collective evil. Kindness begets kindness. Those who receive grace are more likely to extend grace. Every act of goodness can have exponential impact. By standing up for love and rejecting hate in all its forms, we can spread compassion and justice throughout our communities. However, tribalism and indifference are the biggest obstacles in our way. As followers of Christ, we are taught to be charitable to all, to identify with the suffering of others, and to see everyone as deserving of love. 

Love Authentically

“Love others well, and don’t hide behind a mask; love authentically.” (Romans 12:9 MSG)

We live in a world full of superficial busyness, incessant diversions, and insatiable aspirations. This environment becomes a breeding ground for inauthentic, delusional people who are incapable of inner transformation. They don't really change; they just switch costumes/masks. 

Emotional neediness can often be confused with love. Relationships based on similar interests, shared history, or feeling validated can be enjoyable. The desire to belong and be accepted is part of human nature. Unfortunately, these cravings can lead us down distorted paths that lead to dead ends. If you are kind to someone because you want him to like you, or because he makes you feel good about yourself or affirms your worthiness as an individual--the cords that connect you are based on emotional neediness and insecurity. Love requires wanting what is beneficial for the other, even when it isn’t profitable for us. For example, if my best friend were considering moving to a far away country, and I knew this move would be beneficial for her growth--love would allow me to encourage what is best for her, even when it would be a loss for me personally.

Self-awareness and self-acceptance are prerequisites to authentic relationships. Contemplation, honesty, wisdom, transparency, consistency, and devotion are necessary steps to inner growth. Those who hide behind masks are unable to like or accept their true selves. Recognize what is genuine. Don’t accept or distribute anything counterfeit. Build on foundations of truth. Love authentically. 

Cultivating Genuine Relationships

“Don't just pretend to love others. Really love them.” (Romans 12:9 NLT)

Rock Band is a video game that allows players to simulate performing popular songs. The game comes with controllers modeled after musical instruments: a lead guitar, a bass guitar, and a drum set. Players spend hours playing fake musical instruments to get to higher levels. I have often wondered...would they not get more satisfaction if they spent half that time practicing on a real instrument?  

Why do we humans settle for pretend relationships? Is it easier? Is it all we know? Do we think there is nothing better? Would it not be better to have a few authentic relationships than a hundred fake interactions? Instead of keeping up this delusion, what if we spent half that time and energy in cultivating genuine relationships? Would that not be much more meaningful and gratifying?