Honor One Another

Romans 12:10 (NIV)

Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.

The instruction to honor one another appears at the end of this passage. When taken in context it is intended as a suggested result of the first instruction. Paul says to be devoted to one another… in brotherly love. In other words, honoring each other is one of the ingredients that goes into the act of devoted loving.

To understand the depth of what this passage is saying it is necessary to form clear definitions of two of the terms used. The first is the word devoted, which stems from devotion. To be devoted is to be in a state of devotion, so let us define devotion.

Just what is devotion, and what is required to be in a state of devotion?

The dictionary defines devotion as…

Devotion : from the Latin, devotus, meaning - A feeling of strong fervent affection; dedication; or ardent love. (i.e. "Their devotion to each other was beautiful.") A commitment to someone, some thing, or some purpose. (i.e. attachment, loyalty.) The Greek term used is philostorgos.

To be devoted is to carry a strong affection and dedication with an ardent or genuine love. It is to hold a commitment to the other person, a sense of attachment and loyalty that is always at the ready.

This is our instruction for brotherly love as it relates to members in the “Body of Christ.”

Reflection for Thought

1. How many of us look at our brothers and sisters in this way, and if we do manage to do it, do we remain at the ready… doing it all the time?

2. What can we do to better follow the instruction of “Devotion” in our relationships with familiar church members, and the Body of Christ at large?

The second term brings us to the word that is the focus of this study… Honor. We not only hear and read it in scripture, but it’s also tossed around in everyday use. As with the term devoted, I ask that a clear view of the meaning of the word Honor be established.

How do we view the word “Honor”, and how do we use that view in light of our faith relationship? What is it’s definition?

Honor is defined as…

Honor : from the Latin, honos, or honoris, meaning - The evaluation of a person's trustworthiness and social status based on that individual's integrity and character. That quality signifying approval, distinction, and or respect; the equivalent of reputation. The Greek term used is time, (pronounced ta-may) which literary means value.

Here the emphasis is on the value of a person, and the effort to uphold it in high regard. The instruction is to place value on those around us in such a way that their value is above our own.

When dealing with a church member, we put into play things like trustworthiness, integrity, and status (how they are viewed by others) to assess the character of that member. In doing so we sometimes error by passing judgment on, and condemnation to... them; instead of allowing discernment for evaluation of the person, to be our focus. In keeping with the command to love one another, addressing the persons need is the goal. Discernment must be used to make a determination of the members level of approval, distinction, and respect. These are values that must be set in order to supply care at their level of need.

Loving them involves encouraging them and assisting in the establishment of their Godly character. Since they are members of the body and therefore Christian, we make it our effort to restore them when they are found lacking.

Galatians 6:1-2 (NIV

Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

Closing Reflection

1. Using these passages from Galatians along with the definitions and discussion of Biblical Principle will help to bring meaning to our “One Anothering” verse.

2. Let us regard those among us in “The Body of Christ” with “Honor” (value), and be “Devoted” (attached and loyal) to them with brotherly love.

Blessings,

Matt.