"Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honor preferring one another."
Romans 12:10
Part 2
Yesterday:
“Be kindly affectioned one to another.”
We have the “natural affection” that brothers and sisters in Christ should have for each other.
“With brotherly love.”
We, believers, are “from the same womb” because we have been born again. We love our family.
Today:
“In honor preferring one another.”
The honor spoken of here has to do with how we honor our brethren, either because of their position in the body or simply because we show them deference because they are part of the family.[1]
We treat our brothers and sisters honorably. If for no other reason, our love for God’s Family calls us to have good manners with other believers.
“Honor is the honor due from each to all”[2] (Vincent).
“Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves” (Philippians 2:3).
Interestingly, God calls us to show honor to “all.” If we can show polite deference to the lost, surely we can give our brothers and sisters the respect they are due.
“Honor all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king” (1 Peter 2:17).
“Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble” (1 Peter 5:5).
We, believers, show honor, “preferring one another.” To “prefer” in our verse means that we go before others and lead them, showing them the way. We take the lead in being good examples of honoring others.[3]
As “leaders” in honoring, we are looking out for “one another” and caring for them. Who do we “prefer?” “Them,” the “others,” these are the ones we put first.
“Spiritual religion is, in its proper nature, the noblest school of courtesy; habituating the man to the refining power of the Divine presence, and constantly rebuking the self-regard which is the essence of discourtesy.”[4]
We will be polite, courteous toward our brothers and sisters in Christ.
[1] J.H. Thayer, Thayer’s Greek Definitions, the electronic version in eSword. Here is how Thayer defines the Greek term for “honor.” The “honour [sic.] which belongs or is shown to one;…of the honour [sic.] which one has by reason of rank and state of office which he holds; deference, reverence.”
[2] M.R. Vincent, Word Studies in the New Testament, the electronic version in eSword.
[3] J.H. Thayer, ibid. Thayer definition, “Preferring,” means “to go before and show the way, to go before and lead, to go before as a leader.” Vincent said it is “…leading the way in showing the honor that is due.” (See Vincent).
[4] Cambridge Bible, the electronic version in eSword.