Romans 12:9

[9] Let love be genuine.  (ESV)

Scenario:  You publicly “make nice” with someone you inwardly despise, giving the appearance of love for them.  You then turn around and privately talk about them in a way that is anything but loving.  In this scenario there is a disconnect between the public and the private–a lack of wholeness.  The word “integer” from which we get our word integrity refers to personal wholeness–who we are publicly is who we are privately.  We are whole.  Our lack of genuine love is ultimately a lack of integrity.  I must confess that as a pastor I have gotten pretty good at the fake love mentioned in this scenario.  I can play the part of the caring shepherd without the genuine heart.  I need an infusion of God’s genuine love–the capacity to see people as He sees them and to love them the way He loves them.