DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS:

In reflecting on Romans 12:10, we are called to embody two powerful expressions of Christian community: affection and honor. These are not just commands but a reflection of the gospel itself, for they flow from the heart of God’s love toward us.

Affection and Honor: A Gospel-Centered Calling

The gospel is the ultimate picture of love and honor. When God sent His Son, Jesus, to die for us while we were yet sinners (Romans 5:8), He demonstrated a love that transcends all understanding. It’s a love that isn’t based on our merits but on His grace. Through Christ, God shows us a love that not only calls us to act kindly and respectfully toward others but also to deeply cherish and honor one another, especially those in the family of faith.

As Christians, we are called to love with a genuine affection that mirrors God's deep and unchanging love for us. It’s a love that doesn’t come with conditions but that seeks the good of the other. We’re also called to honor one another—not because people have earned it but because they are made in God’s image and are part of the body of Christ. This honor is a reflection of the honor God has shown us, even when we were far off.

Living the Gospel in Community

Loving and honoring others, especially fellow believers, can be challenging. There are times when relationships in the church can be strained, when disagreements arise, or when someone’s actions are hurtful. Yet, the call to show affection and honor to one another isn’t about feeling like it; it’s about responding in faith to the truth of the gospel. When we remember that God loved us first, even when we were unlovable, we are empowered to love others with the same selfless love (1 John 4:19).

Moreover, as we grow in Christ, we recognize that our love and honor toward others are not just for their sake but also for the sake of the gospel itself. The way we treat one another in the church becomes a testimony to the world of God’s transforming grace. Jesus said, “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:35). Our love and honor are not meant to be private or hidden but visible markers of our new life in Christ.

A Humble Pursuit of Honor

To honor others is to prefer them over ourselves. This goes against the grain of a world that teaches us to seek personal recognition and prestige. But in Christ, we are called to turn this worldly mindset upside down. Honor isn’t about elevating ourselves but about humbling ourselves to serve others, reflecting the humility of Jesus who, though He was God, took the form of a servant (Philippians 2:6-8).

As we outdo one another in showing honor, we participate in the beauty of the gospel message—that the first shall be last, and the last shall be first (Matthew 20:16). This radical humility, rooted in the gospel, is what marks us as disciples of Christ.

The Gospel’s Transforming Power in Our Lives

It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that these behaviors—loving with affection and honoring others—are tasks we must perform on our own. But the reality is that these attitudes are the fruit of the Holy Spirit working in us. We cannot love and honor others in the way God desires apart from His grace. The more we understand and embrace the gospel, the more we will be transformed into a people who naturally reflect the love and honor that Christ has shown us.

This is not something we can do in our own strength. We need to look to the cross, to the place where Jesus gave His life for us, to find the motivation to love and honor others. We need to pray for God’s help in cultivating a heart that is quick to forgive, eager to honor, and willing to show affection, even when it’s difficult.

Conclusion: A Life of Gospel Reflection

As we live out the call to love and honor one another, we reflect the heart of the gospel—the love of God displayed through Christ’s sacrifice. In doing so, we build up the body of Christ, strengthen one another’s faith, and point the world to the transforming power of the gospel. By valuing each other in the church with respect and dignity, we participate in God’s work of reconciliation, showing the world that in Christ, we are one.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

What does it mean to "love one another with brotherly affection" in the context of the church community? How does this challenge our typical approach to relationships with fellow believers?

In Romans 12:10, Paul encourages us to "outdo one another in showing honor." What does this look like in practical terms? Can you think of any examples where you’ve witnessed this in your own church community?

How does the gospel shape our understanding of affection and honor toward others, especially those we may not naturally like or agree with?

Why do you think Paul focuses on how Christians should treat other Christians in Romans 12:10, rather than focusing on how we treat those outside the church? What does this teach us about the importance of Christian community?

How do you think the world perceives Christians when they see us loving and honoring one another in this way? Why is this an important witness to non-believers?

What are some obstacles or challenges we face in showing affection and honoring others in the church? How can we overcome these challenges with God’s help?

In what ways can we cultivate a heart of humility, preferring to honor others above ourselves? How does the example of Christ shape this pursuit of humility and honor?

Reflect on a time when you were the recipient of love or honor from another believer. How did it impact your faith or your view of the church community?

Paul teaches that loving and honoring others within the body of Christ is an expression of our transformed nature in Christ. How does your daily life reflect this transformation? What steps can you take to grow in these areas?

How can we, as a church, create an environment where affection and honor are practiced regularly and where believers feel valued and respected?

What role does the Holy Spirit play in helping us love and honor others in the way God desires? How can we rely more on the Spirit’s power in our relationships with others?

What does it mean to “outdo one another in showing honor”? How can this principle influence the way we serve others in the church?

These questions can help guide meaningful conversations about how to live out the core values of love and honor within the Christian community, always grounded in the gospel.