Devotion and Honor
Scripture Reading — Romans 12:1-13
Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.
—Romans 12:10
In writing to the Christians in Rome, Paul paints a picture: Does it make sense for one part of the body to hurt another? Would you intentionally bite your toe, or poke your eye, or break a rib? Of course not!
Likewise, we all belong to each other—we are knit together by the Holy Spirit as Christ’s body. Being devoted to and honoring one another should be obvious in the same way that caring for our fingers and knees and teeth is obvious.
Love is an action word; we see love enacted in our care for one another. If you sprain your wrist, don’t you put your arm in a sling and take it easy for a few days? If someone is hurting or angry, shouldn’t we take time to listen and even give up our own agenda to show we care? If someone is loudly opinionated, can you understand their need to be heard even while you disagree? Can you stay connected even though they are wounded?
Our culture says we should honor only those who earn the privilege. Only the fittest deserve respect. But God calls us to respect others ahead of our own interests. Christ, not clinging to his honor as God, emptied himself to the point of death on the cross (see Philippians 2:5-8). And he did it for each one of us.
Devote yourself to Christ’s body. Honor one another. Put others first, and so show the love of Christ!
Lord, make us devoted to one another. Help us to put the needs of others first so that your love may be seen through us today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
About the author — Steven and Deb Koster
Steven and Deb Koster have a passion for marriages, families, and spiritual growth in the home. Both are ordained ministers in the Christian Reformed Church in North America. Steven formerly served as editor of Today and director of ReFrame's English-language outreach. Deb leads Family Fire, ReFrame’s family ministry at FamilyFire.com and on Facebook. The Kosters have three children.
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