Love
Faithful use of the God-given gifts listed so far seems to deal with activity that takes place rather publicly in the Christian congregation. “By the grace given [him]” (12:3), Paul now moves on to give additional advice and encouragement in a slightly wider area. All of the directives now added fit under the general heading of showing “brotherly love” (verse 10) to “God’s people” (verse 13).
Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.
Again we see the pairing of a negative and a positive element. In a section that urges love, it is almost startling to hear the apostle say, “Hate what is evil.” That, however, is merely the logical counterpart to the other half of the equation: “Cling to [love] what is good.”