HONOR ONE ANOTHER
Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.
Romans 12:9-10 (NLT)
What is the difference between pretending to love someone and really loving them? I think it’s all in your actions. It’s easy to say I love you, but it’s harder to prove it with what you do. In fact, people have for generations used those three little words as a means to an end. It’s manipulative and hurtful. We are called to love because we have been loved, not because of what we can get out of saying those words.
Real love is sacrifice. Consider the way God has demonstrated His love for us. He didn’t remain distant in heaven, just saying He loved us. He proved it with His actions. Jesus, the only son of God and Himself God, left heaven and came to earth. He lived a perfect life, which He then voluntarily surrendered in excruciating fashion upon the cross. He then rose from the dead on the third day—hallelujah! What commitment to love. What sacrifice.
How do you love others? Do you just say it, or do you prove it with your actions? Real love requires real sacrifice. I tell folks all the time that marriage and parenthood have been the great refiners in my life. To love a spouse and children well, you must sacrifice yourself. And in truth, you don’t want to sacrifice just out of some sense of duty. Paul says in the passage above to take delight in honoring one another. To love with genuine affection, not dutiful obligation.
How are you loving others?
APPLICATION: What would it look like for your love to grow for others? How can you sacrifice for them as Christ sacrificed for you? Make a list of the four or five closest relationships in your life. Under each name, jot down a few ways that you might demonstrate your love for them. It could be scheduling a regular time to pray together. Perhaps it’s finding ways to affirm and encourage. Maybe it’s just spending some distraction-free quality time. Ask God to help you love others well in His name!
PRAYER: God, You have shown me how much You love me. I don’t deserve it, but I am so thankful for it. Help me to love others out of the overflow I’ve received from You. In Jesus’ name, amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?