Honouring One Another In Love Romans 12:10 Series

Introduction

Today, we will delve into a single yet profound verse from Paul's letter to the Romans. Romans 12:10 says:

Romans 12:10 (NLT): "Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honouring each other."

This verse provides a clear and challenging call to love and honour one another in the body of Christ. We will break down this verse into three key points: Genuine Affection, Delighting in Honour, and Living Out Love.

1. Genuine Affection

The first part of our verse instructs us to "love each other with genuine affection."

The Greek word used here for love is "philostorgos," which refers to a familial, tender affection. It's a kind of love that binds families together, a deep and sincere bond.

1 Peter 1:22 (NLT): "You were cleansed from your sins when you obeyed the truth, so now you must show sincere love to each other as brothers and sisters. Love each other deeply with all your heart."

John Piper once said, "The source of our love for each other is the fervent, fiery love of God for us."

Consider the relationship between a mother and her child. A mother's love is nurturing, sacrificial, and unwavering. This is the type of affection we are called to have for one another in the church—a love that goes beyond surface level to deep, heartfelt care.

Cultivate genuine relationships within the church. Make an effort to know each other deeply, to understand each other's joys and struggles. Let us be a community where every member feels valued and loved.

2. Delighting in Honour

The verse continues with "take delight in honouring each other."

The Greek word for honour here is "time," which means to value or esteem. It goes beyond mere respect; it involves actively valuing others and considering their needs and contributions significant.

Philippians 2:3 (NLT): "Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves."

Rick Warren has said, "Humility is not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less."

Imagine a team where every member seeks to highlight and celebrate the achievements of others rather than their own. This creates an atmosphere of mutual encouragement and respect, fostering unity and strength.

Let's strive to honour each other genuinely. This means acknowledging the gifts and contributions of others, celebrating their successes, and supporting them in their weaknesses. When we honour each other, we reflect Christ's love and build a stronger, more unified church.

3. Living Out Love

Finally, we must put this love and honour into practice in our daily lives.

1 John 3:18 (NLT): "Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions."

Love must be more than words; it must be evident in our actions. Genuine affection and honour are demonstrated through tangible acts of kindness, service, and support.

Francis Chan stated, "True love requires sacrifice, and our love is shown by how we treat one another."

Think about the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:25-37. He didn't just feel compassion; he acted on it by caring for the injured man, tending to his wounds, and providing for his needs. This is the kind of active love we are called to demonstrate.

Let us commit to living out our love for one another in practical ways. Whether it’s through serving, giving, encouraging, or simply being present, our actions should reflect the genuine affection and honour we have for each other.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Romans 12:10 challenges us to:

Show Genuine Affection: Love each other deeply as family.

Delight in Honour: Value and esteem one another sincerely.

Live Out Love: Demonstrate our love through tangible actions.

Call to Action

Reflect on Relationships: This week, take time to reflect on your relationships within the church. Are they marked by genuine affection and honour?

Act in Love: Look for opportunities to actively demonstrate love and honour to your fellow believers.

Build Community: Make a deliberate effort to foster deeper, more meaningful connections within our church family.

Let us pray for the Holy Spirit to empower us to love and honour one another as Christ has loved and honoured us. May our church be a beacon of His love and grace in a world that desperately needs it. Amen.