Friday, April 9
Love deeply and lead in honor
Scripture: Joshua 7-8, Psalm 42, Romans 12
Romans 12:10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.
Observation
Romans 12 is another chapter that is worth memorizing.
The heading for v. 9-21 in the NIV reads “Love in Action”, and that’s appropriate. Paul describes how Christians behave, characterized first and foremost by love.
In this verse, he tells us two things:
First, be devoted to one another in love. Perhaps the best translation of the Greek word (philostorgos) is “love one another affectionately as family”. We say “blood is thicker than water,” meaning our bonds with family are stronger than others. We’re to have that kind of devotion to one another Christians—bonded as brothers and sisters in Christ.
Second, honor one another above yourselves. The Greek word (proegeomai) is used of leadership: go first, lead the way, take the lead. Lead the way in showing honor (value, respect). In some cultures, honor only flows up to the leader; here, Paul insists that honor starts at the top and flows down. Of course, it’s not just leaders who honor others; each of us must take the lead in honoring one another. One translation says, “Outdo one another in showing honor.” I like that!
Application
Today, I am asking the Lord to help me love deeply those I’m with, and lead the way in honoring them.
Prayer: Lord, empower me today to love deeply and lead in honor.