Kindly Affectioned One to Another Romans 12:10

Paul the apostle told the believers in Rome to, “Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good”, and in chapter twelve and verse ten of Romans, Paul told his believing readers “be kindly affection one to another” where we read:

Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honor preferring one another;

The verse begins, “Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love;” Paul began with the words, “be kindly affectioned” which means “have mutual tender love which is chiefly of the reciprocal tenderness of parents and children” “one to another” or “toward each other reciprocally and mutually” “with brotherly love” which means “with the love of brothers and sisters which Christians cherish for each other as brethren”. Paul desired for believers in Rome to “love one another” as “brothers and sisters” in the Lord.

The verse goes on to say, “in honor preferring one another;”. Paul continued with the words, “in honor” which means “by valuing by which the price is fixed, deference and reverence” “preferring” or “going before and head to lead and show the way to” “one another” which means “each other”. Paul exhorted the believers in Rome to “reverence” each other by “going before, leading and showing the way” to one another.

When we think through these words of Paul, we see his instruction for the believers in Rome to “tenderly love” one another and to “prefer” each other with “honor and reverence”. People who believe and trust in Jesus Christ as their “Savior and Lord” become part of the family of God, and they are to “love and cherish” one another in that relationship. Others are to be “lead and shown the way” over and above one's personal desires and wishes. When they abide by these guidelines, the world sees people who genuinely care for one another and who put aside selfishness for the care of someone else.

Next time Paul tells his believing readers in Rome, “not slothful in business” and “fervent in spirit”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

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