Living In Love: A Call To Honour And Devotion Romans 12:10 Series

Living in Love: A Call to Honour and Devotion Romans 12:10

Introduction:

Today, we are going to dive into a powerful verse that encapsulates the heart of Christian living and relationships. Romans 12:10 (NLT) says, "Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honouring each other." This single verse is packed with profound truths about how we are to live out our faith in community. We will explore this under four main points: Genuine Affection, Delighting in Honour, Living in Harmony, and Walking in Humility.

1. Genuine Affection

Romans 12:10a (NLT): "Love each other with genuine affection."

The Greek word for "love" here is "philostorgos," which refers to the tender affection found in family relationships. Paul is urging us to cultivate a sincere, heartfelt love for one another, akin to the love between family members.

John 13:34-35 (NLT): "So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples."

Jesus gives us a new commandment—to love each other as He has loved us. This love is sacrificial, unconditional, and transformative. Jesus' love for us is the ultimate example of how we should love one another. It's not just about feeling affection but acting in ways that reflect Christ's love. Our love for each other is a testimony to the world of our identity as His disciples. When we love each other genuinely, we show the world the power of Christ's love and attract others to Him.

Think of the love a mother has for her child. It is nurturing, protective, and unwavering. Similarly, we are called to love each other with a depth that mirrors the love within a close-knit family.

"To love someone means to see him as God intended him." —Fyodor Dostoevsky

When we practice genuine affection, we reflect the love of Christ to the world. This love is not merely an emotion but a deliberate act of the will to seek the best for others.

2. Delighting in Honour

Romans 12:10b (NLT): "Take delight in honouring each other."

To "honour" means to value and respect others, recognizing their worth and treating them with dignity. Paul encourages us to go beyond mere respect to actually delight in lifting others up.

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

Paul's exhortation to the Philippians highlights the importance of humility in our relationships. Humility involves putting others' needs and interests above our own. It requires us to resist selfishness and the desire for personal recognition. Instead, we should value others and consider their needs and perspectives. This attitude fosters unity and harmony within the body of Christ.

Imagine a sports team where each player is more concerned about their teammates' success than their own. This attitude fosters a supportive and effective team environment, leading to greater overall success.

"Humility is not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less." —C.S. Lewis

Honouring others requires a heart that is selfless and focused on the well-being of those around us. It is an attitude of putting others first, just as Christ put us first when He gave His life for us.

3. Living in Harmony

Romans 12:16 (NLT): "Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all!"

Living in harmony means fostering unity and peace within the community.

Living in harmony involves embracing humility and inclusiveness.

Paul advises against pride and exclusivity. We are to associate with all people, regardless of their social or economic status. True Christian fellowship breaks down barriers and brings people together in mutual respect and love. Harmony in the body of Christ is achieved when we practice humility and inclusiveness.

Ephesians 4:2-3 (NLT): "Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace."

Paul's words to the Ephesians emphasize the qualities necessary for maintaining unity in the church: humility, gentleness, patience, and love. We must be willing to bear with one another's faults and shortcomings, recognising that we are all imperfect and in need of grace. Unity is not automatic; it requires effort and a commitment to living out these Christ-like qualities. When we do so, we create an environment of peace and mutual support.

Think of an orchestra. Each musician plays a different instrument, but when they all play together in harmony, they create a beautiful symphony. Similarly, when we live in harmony with one another, our diverse gifts and personalities create a beautiful testimony to the world.