Real Love Versus Counterfeit Love! One Brings Angels, the Other Brings Devils

Sometimes we become so familiar with words that they lose their potency. Living in the Bible Belt, I find this to be especially true. Many people are so accustomed to hearing the Word of God and attending church that we end up with more "heathens" who think they’re Christians than actual believers. Their faith is based on habit, appearance, or duty, but their hearts are far from God.

In the Bible Belt, the over-familiarity with scripture and the routine of church attendance often dull the impact of what should be life-changing truth. Powerful messages become weighed down by hearts that hear but don’t listen, eyes that read but don’t comprehend, and lives that fail to reflect genuine faith through action.

To reclaim the truth in its full power, let’s look at this chapter about love in Romans 12. But instead of just reading it, let’s flip it and imagine what its opposite looks like. Sometimes contrasting truth with its counterfeit brings clarity.

Romans 12: Let love be sincere, hating evil and holding tightly to what is good. Love each other deeply, like brothers and sisters, and take the lead in honoring one another. Be diligent and fervent in your zeal, serving the Lord with a heart full of passion. Rejoice in hope, remain patient in affliction, and keep persistent in prayer. Share with the saints in their needs and pursue hospitality. Bless those who persecute you, never cursing them. Rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another, avoiding pride, and instead, associating with the humble. Don't think too highly of yourself. Never repay evil for evil, but always strive to do what is honorable in everyone’s eyes. As far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not avenge yourselves, for vengeance belongs to God. If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing so, you will heap fiery coals on his head. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

This is a great breakdown and I hope in its opposite form it brings a new perception that you had not seen before:

Let love be without hypocrisy.

The opposite of "Let love be without hypocrisy" could be expressed as:

"Let love be full of pretense or insincerity."

This means showing a kind of love that is fake, self-serving, or motivated by ulterior motives rather than genuine care and concern for others. Hypocritical love might involve acting as though you care outwardly while harboring selfish intentions or failing to truly love others in your heart.

Detest evil; cling to what is good.

The opposite of "Detest evil; cling to what is good" would be:

"Embrace evil; reject what is good."

This reversal implies not only tolerating or accepting evil but actively pursuing it, while simultaneously turning away from or discarding what is virtuous, righteous, and morally upright. It describes a heart and mindset that are opposed to God's standards, choosing darkness over light. What are you embracing that you should be letting go?

Love one another deeply as brothers and sisters.

The opposite of "Love one another deeply as brothers and sisters" would be:

"Despise one another with indifference or hostility."

This reversal suggests a lack of care, connection, or affection, replaced by apathy, resentment, or even antagonism, instead of the family bond and deep love described in the original statement.

I see this so often on social media—people quick to defend themselves by attacking when called out. Whether they agree with the correction and change their heart or not, it doesn’t alter the Word of God. The truth remains unchanged, so sometimes it’s best to let it be.

Too many Christians are stirring the pot and labeling it as something else entirely. But when we stand before God, He isn’t going to ask for our opinions. Our opinions aren’t the standard by which we’re judged. Instead, He will ask how we aligned our lives with His Word. Our responsibility is not to twist His truth to fit our views but to bring our hearts and actions in line with His commands.

Take the lead in honoring one another.

The opposite would sound something like this:

"Compete to dishonor one another."

This suggests striving to outdo others in disrespect, selfishness, or disregard, rather than showing humility, respect, and genuine care. It flips the original call to selfless action into one of pride and divisiveness.

I love how it says here to "take the lead." When situations spiral with people going in circles, everyone trying to have the last word, it’s like watching a pack of dogs chasing their tails. God is saying, "SOMEONE TAKE THE LEAD! Put a stop to this madness!" You can quickly shift the atmosphere by choosing to stop throwing insults and instead add respect, add honor. Lace your words with kindness, and the fire will die out.

Do not lack diligence in zeal; be fervent in the Spirit; serve the Lord.

The opposite would sound something like this:

"Be indifferent and lazy in your efforts, lacking passion and commitment. Allow your passion to die, showing no warmth and enthusiasm in your spirit. Let apathy take over, causing you to neglect and avoid your responsibilities in serving the Lord, failing to recognize the urgency and joy in doing so."

This reflects a state of spiritual complacency, where enthusiasm for God's work diminishes, and serving Him becomes something done out of obligation or disregard rather than genuine devotion. It contrasts the fervor, energy, and wholehearted service that the verse encourages.

Rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; be persistent in prayer.

The opposite would sound something like this:

"Despair in hopelessness; be restless and impatient in suffering; give up on prayer."

This reflects a state of discouragement and frustration, where hope is lost, patience in hardship is abandoned, and the commitment to prayer is replaced with indifference or resignation.

Share with the saints in their needs; pursue hospitality.

The opposite would sound something like this:

"Ignore the needs of others; withhold help from those in need; avoid offering kindness or opening your home to others."

This reflects a self-centered attitude, where the focus is on one's own comfort and desires, neglecting the needs of fellow believers and avoiding the act of hospitality and generosity.

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.

The opposite would sound something like this:

Respond to those who persecute you with anger and bitterness; curse them, wish harm upon them, and plot your revenge. Let your hurt and resentment fester, and never show any kindness or forgiveness."

Instead of extending grace, you'd be holding on to grudges, letting the negativity consume you, and allowing the cycle of hatred and hurt to continue. It's the complete opposite of God's call to bless, forgive, and show love, even when it's hard.

Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep.

The opposite would sound something like this:

"Ignore the joys of others and remain indifferent to their happiness; mock or dismiss the sorrows of those who weep, showing no empathy or care."

This reflects a lack of empathy and emotional connection, where one is detached from the feelings of others, whether in moments of celebration or in times of grief.

Live in harmony with one another.

The opposite would sound something like this:

"Live in conflict with one another; create division and strife, constantly stirring up discord and tension."

This reflects an attitude of disunity, where relationships are marked by hostility, disagreement, and a lack of peace, contrasting with the call for mutual respect and cooperation in the original verse.

Do not be proud; instead, associate with the humble.

The opposite would sound something like this:

"Be arrogant and self-important; avoid those who are humble and look down on them, preferring to associate with the powerful or those who can elevate your status."

This reflects a prideful, elitist attitude, where one elevates themselves above others and disregards the value of humility, in contrast to the call for humility and compassion in the original verse.

Do not be wise in your own estimation.

The opposite would sound something like this:

"Rely on your own judgment and trust in your own wisdom, considering yourself to be always right and superior to others in understanding."

This reflects a self-sufficient, prideful attitude, where one disregards the need for humility or seeking guidance from others, in contrast to the call for humility and recognition of one's limitations in the original verse.

Do not repay anyone evil for evil.

The opposite of "Do not repay anyone evil for evil" would sound like:

"Repay evil with evil; seek revenge and return harm for harm, holding grudges and retaliating against those who wrong you."

This reflects a vengeful, unforgiving attitude, where the focus is on seeking payback and causing harm in return, in direct contrast to the call for forgiveness and peace in the original verse.

Give careful thought to do what is honorable in everyone’s eyes.

The opposite would sound something like this:

"Act without regard for others' opinions, choosing actions that are selfish, dishonorable, or even deceitful, with no concern for how they affect others."

This reflects a careless, self-centered attitude, where one disregards the impact of their actions on others and focuses solely on personal gain or satisfaction, in contrast to the call for integrity and thoughtfulness in the original verse.

If possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.

The opposite would sound something like this:

"Cause strife and division whenever you can, refusing to make peace, and allowing conflict to escalate as much as possible."

This reflects a confrontational, divisive attitude, where one actively seeks to disrupt harmony and relationships, in direct contrast to the call for peace and reconciliation in the original verse.

Friends, do not avenge yourselves; instead, leave room for God’s wrath, because it is written, Vengeance belongs to me; I will repay,says the Lord.

The opposite would sound something like this:

"Take matters into your own hands and seek revenge, refusing to trust God with justice and acting out of anger or desire for payback."

This reflects a desire for personal retribution and a lack of trust in God's judgment, in contrast to the call for patience, restraint, and reliance on God's ultimate justice in the original verse.

But If your enemy is hungry, feed him.

The opposite would sound something like this:

"If your enemy is hungry, ignore them or withhold help, letting them suffer without concern."

This reflects a vengeful, cold-hearted attitude, where one takes pleasure in the misfortune of their enemy and refuses to show kindness or compassion, in stark contrast to the call for generosity and love in the original verse.

If he is thirsty, give him something to drink.

The opposite of "If he is thirsty, give him something to drink" would sound like:

"If he is thirsty, refuse to help or take pleasure in their suffering, ignoring their need for water."

This reflects a spiteful, unkind attitude, where one deliberately neglects or withholds help from someone in need, especially an enemy, contrasting with the call for compassion and generosity in the original verse.

For in so doingyou will be heaping fiery coals on his head.

The opposite would sound something like this:

"By refusing to show kindness, you will be letting your enemy escape consequences and continue in their wrongdoing, leaving them unchallenged in their actions."

This reflects a mindset where one chooses not to do good, thereby allowing others to remain unaffected by their behavior, in contrast to the original verse’s idea that kindness toward an enemy can lead to their conviction or shame.

Do not be conquered by evil, but conquer evil with good.

The opposite would sound something like this:

"Let evil overpower you, and respond to it with more evil, allowing hatred and wrongdoing to spread unchecked."

This reflects a defeated, retaliatory attitude, where one succumbs to evil and fights fire with fire, instead of overcoming evil with goodness and integrity, as the original verse encourages.

Are you living out the scriptures, or just pretending?

Is your life reflecting love, or is it more like the opposite?

Well, I don’t know about you, but when I read the opposite of all that, I start questioning my own life. Do I really get what love is? Maybe what I thought was love was actually just me being nice, or worse, being passive-aggressive! But when God exposes our hearts—sometimes with a giant spotlight—He's not out to embarrass us; He’s trying to help.

We’re all at different points in our walk with God. Some of us are running a marathon, some of us are still figuring out how to tie our shoes, but all of us can level up in loving others. And here’s the kicker—when we love others, we’re loving God more.

Now, Satan’s going to try to trip you up, but before he does, and before your emotions take the wheel, hit pause and ask yourself: Can I flip the script? Instead of reacting with frustration and anger, can I love? Can I put on LOVE and just LOVE MORE? It’s a move that worships God instead of falling for the enemy’s tricks.

Colossians 3:14: "And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony."

This verse emphasizes that love is the ultimate virtue that holds all other qualities together, creating unity and harmony. But here’s the thing—God isn’t dumb. He knows that love can be tough. That’s why He says, “Put on love.” It’s not a suggestion; it’s a command. Just like you put on deodorant every day, right? Why? Because you want to keep yourself fresh and presentable. You brush your teeth every day, right? Why? Because you want to maintain your health and make a good impression. You change your socks every day, right? Why? Because you want to stay comfortable and avoid feeling gross.

In the same way, God calls us to put on love daily because it’s something we need to wear consistently. Love isn’t always automatic, and sometimes it’s hard to choose—especially when people rub us the wrong way. But just like those daily habits that keep you clean, healthy, and comfortable, putting on love is a choice that makes our hearts right, strengthens our relationships, and makes us more like Christ.

When we are unloving we can give the devil a foothold in our life.

Ephesians 4:27: "and do not give the devil a foothold."

This verse comes in the context of encouraging believers to live righteously, controlling anger, and avoiding sin. It emphasizes that harboring negative emotions, unaddressed issues, or allowing sin to persist can give the enemy a "foothold" or an opportunity to influence and disrupt your life. The idea is that when we allow space for bitterness, anger, or unrepentant sin, we open ourselves up to spiritual attacks.

Don’t let the devil get a foot in the door, or you’re basically handing him the keys to your emotional chaos. Your angels are ready to throw down on your behalf. Just choose love. When you do, you activate the power of heaven—because heaven doesn’t send backup for drama, it sends backup for love.

So, next time, choose love. Its worth it!💓