“Let love be genuine — hold fast to what is good.” Romans 12:9
It was market day in Patzun, Guatemala. As we shopped, a friend explained that when the older vendors chose a place to display their merchandise, they liked to set up their wares next to an exposed length of metal pipe. Before they accepted a coin in exchange for their produce or pottery, they dropped the coin onto the pipe. If it made a clear ringing sound, the coin was genuine. If not, it was counterfeit.
Just as none of us wants to receive counterfeit money, God does not want to receive counterfeit love. He wants our love for Him and each other to be genuine and true.
Lord, our God, help us hold tight to what is genuine and good. Teach us how to recognize the counterfeit in our lives. Let our love for You and each other ring pure and clear and true. In Jesus' name, Amen.