Why is love without hypocrisy essential in the Christian life?

Hypocritical love undermines genuine relationships and the effectiveness of our service to God. When love is pretended, it reflects a misunderstanding of God’s nature, leading to actions that are more about self-interest than true care for others. Romans 12:9 urges believers to love without hypocrisy as an acknowledgment of the love they have received from Christ. This authentic love fosters unity within the body of Christ and encourages believers to serve selflessly, seeing others as more important than themselves as a reflection of Christ's love.