Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. – Romans 12:10

Have you had someone you trusted, with whom you thought you shared a relationship of brotherly affection, turn their back on you for their own gain? Jesus had that experience with Judas. This disciple, who walked with Him for three years and saw His miraculous ministry, offered Him up to the Jewish leaders for money in the end. The relationship and his life were lost to selfish, dishonorable motives. 

Paul directs the believers in Rome in the ways to follow Christ, the mindset to cultivate, the behaviors and attitudes which will serve them and the community of faith. Paul contrasts the approach of members of the body of Christ with the natural fleshly responses to ordinary situations and troubles. Paul cautions Christians of the enemy’s desire to cause dissension among those who profess love for the Lord. The secular world is full of people who do not care who they step on as they climb the ladder of success. Sadly, some in the Church even lose sight of their reason for serving, desiring credit and recognition for what they do.  

Paul’s exhortation is a call for holy living in obedience to God’s Word, to put others before self, giving them honor, appreciation, and acknowledgment instead of envious rivalry. Let your love for others be as if they were your own family, because they are your family in Christ! Let your love be genuine, sincere, not merely of words, but with the same tenderness you have for a dear family member. The virtue here is love covered in humility and honor.

You may be tempted to feel discouraged by the apparent lack of genuine love in the public arena today. Pray that the love of believers who serve in federal, state, and local governments across this nation will stand firmly planted with humility of spirit, so their example may resonate in the hearts of those with whom they work. And intercede for followers of Christ to honor their civic duty to vote in next month’s election.