Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. – Romans 12:10
In The Message, today’s verse is rendered, “Be good friends who love deeply; practice playing second fiddle.” The “outdo one another” phrase in today’s verse is not about competition, nor is it about taking second place. Other Bible translations or versions translate the Greek word “show preference” or “show eagerness.” Strong’s Concordance states the Greek proegoumenoi actually means “to lead onward by example.” Another lexicon defines it as “to lead the way, go on before.” Leading the way in showing honor is not about putting yourself either at the top or the bottom, but giving worth and importance to others and being upfront about it. You show leadership by giving respect and value to another, and do it with humility.
As with many other aspects of Christ-like living, this begins with your attitude that motivates your actions. It is not enough to give lip service to these gentle commands in Scripture; nothing significant will come of that. It is essential to apply what you have been taught. As the Apostle John writes, “Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth” (1 John 3:18). You can begin by paying closer attention to those around you: family, friends, neighbors, fellow congregants at church, and even strangers. Be prepared to expand your circle of relationships and your sphere of influence. This may take you out of your comfort zone, but it is necessary if you are to lead the way.
As you make an effort to show the kind of other-honoring leadership that Paul is talking about, commit to taking part in church small groups and community activities. Your light cannot shine if you keep it hidden in your living room! Pray for the men and women in Christian leadership across America to “outdo” one another in showing honor and love.
Today’s Verse: Romans 12:10
Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: Luke 14:7-14
7 Now he told a parable to those who were invited, when he noticed how they chose the places of honor, saying to them, 8 “When you are invited by someone to a wedding feast, do not sit down in a place of honor, lest someone more distinguished than you be invited by him, 9 and he who invited you both will come and say to you, ‘Give your place to this person,’ and then you will begin with shame to take the lowest place. 10 But when you are invited, go and sit in the lowest place, so that when your host comes he may say to you, ‘Friend, move up higher.’ Then you will be honored in the presence of all who sit at table with you. 11 For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”
12 He said also to the man who had invited him, “When you give a dinner or a banquet, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or rich neighbors, lest they also invite you in return and you be repaid. 13 But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, 14 and you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you. For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the just.”
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
