November 5
"Love must be sincere...” (Romans 12:9)
For those of us who have struggled with addiction, this verse can be both challenging and deeply encouraging. Addiction often brings with it a weight of shame and brokenness, making it difficult to truly love ourselves and others. Yet today’s verse reminds us that love must be sincere—free from hypocrisy. This kind of love is neither superficial nor conditional; it’s genuine and honest.
A perfect example of sincere love is the love God has for his children. His love doesn’t depend on our past failures or successes but is rooted in his desire for us to know him deeply and fully, knowing that in him, we will find true joy and satisfaction. We are able to love others—and ourselves—because he first loved us. Through his love, God empowers us to love as described in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7:
"Love is patient, love is kind; it is not jealous, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres."
Reflect on this today. Are there times in your life when you’ve struggled to love sincerely? How might this have impacted those around you? And today, how can you practice a love that is sincere and without pretense?
God, thank you for your unending goodness and grace. Thank you for loving me first and offering your Son as a sacrifice for my sins. Help me to love as you love, and guide my heart to share in the burdens that matter to you. In Christ's name, Amen.
Redemptive Recovery
Redemptive Recovery (RR) is a Christian recovery group and program that is modeled on biblical truths. We believe that Jesus Christ has the power to transform our lives and that the bible is our roadmap. RR meets weekly and is for anyone currently navigating the challenges of addiction and also those that are further along in their recovery.
Visit www.redemptiverecovery.org for more information.