Romans 12

In my Bible the last section of Romans 12 (vv 9-21) is titled, "Marks of the True Christian." Paul makes a series of short statements that should characterize the life of a true Christian, and they are completely counter-cultural. Each verse deserves an entire post, but here I will comment on verse 10 in two parts:

(1) "Love one another with brotherly affection." (2) "Outdo one another in showing honor."

(1)Paul starts off with love, I believe, because all of our duty towards one another is summed in that one word—love. This is only possible because, "God's love has been poured into our hearts" (Romans 5:5). The love that he has given to us is a genuine and free affection—a kindness that flows out of our changed hearts.

(2)In the second half of the verse, Paul says we are to honor each other, but not only that we are also to strive to prefer each others' honor over our own. He says it another way in Philippians 2:3: "In humility count others more significant than yourselves."

Paul acknowledges that the love described in this verse is given to us by God, yet we are still commanded to carry it out. So think of a relationship you have with someone you know pretty well (best friend, mom or dad, etc.), and spend an entire day putting their needs before your own. Be more pleased to hear them praised than yourself. Instead of contending for superiority, take the lower position in an effort to esteem them. Go out of your way to show that person the mark of a true Christian (God's love he put in your heart) by putting them before yourself.