Devotion and Honor
2/12/2024
"Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor."
- Romans 12:10 ESV
Face it, we live in a fast-paced and individualistic world where it is easy to overlook the importance of genuine, selfless love within the body of Christ. However, as believers, we are called to a higher standard, one that reflects the character of our Lord Jesus Christ. When God designed humans, He made us with the intention of placing us within a loving family. Today, we call that family the Church.
The apostle Paul, inspired by the Holy Spirit, knew the significance of brotherly love within the early church and its continued relevance in the present age. He understood that love was not merely a feeling, but an intentional choice of action. It is a love that goes beyond superficial kindness and extends to the core of our being, reflecting the love and grace that God has so lavishly poured out upon us.
The phrase "outdo one another in showing honor" challenges us to actively pursue acts of kindness and honor towards our fellow believers. It encourages us to be proactive in seeking opportunities to bless and serve others without any ulterior motives or selfish desires. This kind of love is not self-seeking or self-promoting but seeks to genuinely uplift and encourage one another.
To love with brotherly affection means to set aside our differences, preferences, and personal agendas. It means to prioritize unity over division, forgiveness over resentment, and humility over pride. It is a love that stands strong in times of difficulty, supports one another in times of weakness, and rejoices in times of victory.
Devotion and honor are just two aspects of loving people well, but Jesus said that the world will recognize us as His disciples by the way that we love. This means that we have to genuinely love others—not just pretend to love them. And the place we need to start showing genuine honor is within our spiritual family. Rather than letting self-promotion divide the family of God, our goal should be to honor those around us.
As we strive to live out Romans 12:10, let us continually ask ourselves: How can I demonstrate brotherly affection today? How can I honor and uplift my brothers and sisters in Christ? May we become intentional in creating an atmosphere of love and support within our churches, families, and communities.
Let’s remember that our ability to love one another with brotherly affection is not dependent on our own strength or resources. It is the Holy Spirit who empowers us to love as Christ loves, and it is through His grace and guidance that we can accomplish this calling.
Think about this; if we won’t learn how to love people who follow Jesus, then we won’t know how to love people who don’t.
Pastor Jeff
#LoveGod #LovePeople #FindFreedom #FindYourDesign
"Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor."
- Romans 12:10 ESV
Face it, we live in a fast-paced and individualistic world where it is easy to overlook the importance of genuine, selfless love within the body of Christ. However, as believers, we are called to a higher standard, one that reflects the character of our Lord Jesus Christ. When God designed humans, He made us with the intention of placing us within a loving family. Today, we call that family the Church.
The apostle Paul, inspired by the Holy Spirit, knew the significance of brotherly love within the early church and its continued relevance in the present age. He understood that love was not merely a feeling, but an intentional choice of action. It is a love that goes beyond superficial kindness and extends to the core of our being, reflecting the love and grace that God has so lavishly poured out upon us.
The phrase "outdo one another in showing honor" challenges us to actively pursue acts of kindness and honor towards our fellow believers. It encourages us to be proactive in seeking opportunities to bless and serve others without any ulterior motives or selfish desires. This kind of love is not self-seeking or self-promoting but seeks to genuinely uplift and encourage one another.
To love with brotherly affection means to set aside our differences, preferences, and personal agendas. It means to prioritize unity over division, forgiveness over resentment, and humility over pride. It is a love that stands strong in times of difficulty, supports one another in times of weakness, and rejoices in times of victory.
Devotion and honor are just two aspects of loving people well, but Jesus said that the world will recognize us as His disciples by the way that we love. This means that we have to genuinely love others—not just pretend to love them. And the place we need to start showing genuine honor is within our spiritual family. Rather than letting self-promotion divide the family of God, our goal should be to honor those around us.
As we strive to live out Romans 12:10, let us continually ask ourselves: How can I demonstrate brotherly affection today? How can I honor and uplift my brothers and sisters in Christ? May we become intentional in creating an atmosphere of love and support within our churches, families, and communities.
Let’s remember that our ability to love one another with brotherly affection is not dependent on our own strength or resources. It is the Holy Spirit who empowers us to love as Christ loves, and it is through His grace and guidance that we can accomplish this calling.
Think about this; if we won’t learn how to love people who follow Jesus, then we won’t know how to love people who don’t.
Pastor Jeff
#LoveGod #LovePeople #FindFreedom #FindYourDesign
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