Romans 12:10

Context

Romans chapter 12 marks a significant pivot in Paul's epistle. After eleven chapters dedicated to profound theological exposition on topics like sin, justification by faith, the law, and God's sovereign plan for Israel and the Gentiles, Paul shifts to practical Christian living. This transition begins with the powerful appeal in Romans 12:1-2, urging believers to present their bodies as living sacrifices and not to be conformed to the world. The verses immediately preceding Romans 12:10 discuss the unity and diversity within the body of Christ, emphasizing the proper use of spiritual gifts for mutual edification (Romans 12:4-8). Verse 9 then introduces a series of concise exhortations on genuine Christian love and conduct, setting the stage for the specific instruction in verse 10 regarding interpersonal relationships within the church community.

Key Themes

• Genuine Affection and Love: The verse calls for a deep, heartfelt warmth among believers. It's not merely polite acquaintance but a bond akin to that found within a loving family. This quality of love is foundational for a healthy Christian community.
• Brotherly Love (Philadelphia): Specifically mentioned, this highlights the unique bond shared by those who are "brothers and sisters" in Christ. It implies loyalty, care, and a shared spiritual identity that transcends natural relationships.
• Humility and Mutual Esteem: The phrase "in honour preferring one another" is a powerful call to humility. It means actively taking the initiative to show respect, value, and dignity to others, putting their honor and needs before one's own. This stands in stark contrast to self-seeking or pride.
• Unity and Harmony: When believers genuinely love and honor one another, it fosters a strong sense of unity and harmony within the body of Christ, reflecting the character of God and providing a powerful witness to the world.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "kindly affectioned" translates the Greek word philostorgoi (φιλόστοργοι). This is a compound word combining philos (love, affection, friendship) and storge (natural family affection). It conveys a tender, warm, and devoted love, like that shared within a close-knit family. It's a love that is gentle and caring, not merely intellectual or duty-bound. The term "brotherly love" is philadelphia (φιλαδελφία), which literally means "love of brothers." This emphasizes the familial bond among Christians as children of the same Heavenly Father.

The command "in honour preferring one another" comes from the Greek tē timē allēlous proēgoumenoi (τῇ τιμῇ ἀλλήλους προηγούμενοι). The word proēgoumenoi means "leading the way," "going before," or "taking the initiative." Thus, it's not just about giving honor when it's due, but actively seeking opportunities to honor others, to elevate their standing, and to put their interests first. It implies a proactive humility that seeks to serve and uplift fellow believers.

Practical Application

Romans 12:10 is highly practical for daily Christian living and church life. It challenges believers to:

• Cultivate Genuine Relationships: Move beyond superficial interactions to foster deep, compassionate, and tender bonds with fellow believers, treating them as true family. This can involve actively listening, offering comfort, and sharing burdens.
• Practice Humility: Actively look for ways to honor others, whether through words of affirmation, acts of service, or by deferring to their preferences. This means consciously choosing to put others' needs and dignity above one's own desires or status, echoing the teaching found in Philippians 2:3.
• Promote Unity: By consistently practicing this mutual affection and honor, believers contribute to a strong, unified, and attractive Christian community that can effectively bear witness to the love of Christ in the world. This kind of love is a distinguishing mark of Christ's disciples, as Jesus himself taught in John 13:34-35.

Reflection

This verse serves as a cornerstone for healthy Christian community. It calls believers to embody the self-giving love of Christ in their interactions, moving from mere tolerance to active, affectionate, and honoring relationships. When Christians are "kindly affectioned" and "in honour preferring one another," they not only strengthen their own fellowship but also powerfully demonstrate the transformative power of the Gospel to a world often marked by self-interest and division. It is a continuous call to grow in Christ-like character, making love the defining characteristic of our lives together.