“Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring one another” (Romans 12:10).
Think about the transforming influence on our families, churches, and communities if we devoted ourselves to follow Romans 12:10.
Our tendency is too often the opposite: Seek honor for yourself. It’s counter-cultural to sincerely take delight in honoring one another.
For our greatest example, we should often reflect on Philippians 2:2-11.
Take delight?
I found it interesting that the words “take delight” were chosen for the New Living Bible.” “…take delight in honoring one another.”
Other translations read, “give preference to one another” or “preferring one another.”
“Take delight” was likely chosen because the word translated (προηγούμενοι) could be rendered “going before.”
It speaks of an eagerness to honor others as a call to initiate or to surpass one another in showing honor. “Out do one another in showing honor” (ESV).
I like the rendering “Take delight.” Honoring one another should not be thought of as a burden or duty but a joy. It’s a way of recognizing value in another person.
Renewed passion
Most of us could use a renewed passion for honoring one another. Think of how it would transforms our fellowship. It would become the kind of community it was meant to be.
Jesus demonstrated deferential honor for his disciples by washing their feet. Then he said to them, “I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples” (John 13:34-35).
Steve Cornell
Wisdomforlife 