Romans 12:10: Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another.
Next, Paul mentions love’s commitment in the Church: “Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves” (v. 10). The words “Be devoted” are the translation of a Greek word which combines the words for friendship love and family love. A more helpful translation is, “Be devoted with warm family affection to one another in brotherly love.” Family-type devotion to one another is more than friendship. Such love involves commitment like that experienced in good families. The natural outcome will be then, as the last half of the verse commands, to “Honor one another above yourselves” (v. 10b). Healthy families have a mutual respect for one another. They defer to one another and take pleasure in the elevation of other family members. 1
Application
- Do you run ahead of everyone to get to the front of the line? Do you cut in line because your “new” friend is there? Are you the most important person in your life? Do you “use” others or “serve” others?
- When was the last time you sacrificed so someone else could achieve their goal, and you could postpone yours for awhile? Are you known for “selfies?”
Prayer
Lord, make my opinion of myself shrink and my opinion of others swell.
1. McGee, J. V. (1991). Thru the Bible commentary: The Epistles (Romans 9-16) (electronic ed., Vol. 43). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.