Romans 12:10  Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.

Being devoted to something is pretty normal in our society.  People are devoted to families, sports teams, hobbies, TV, Facebook, Twitter, etc…  Today’s verse points us in an important direction.  The Lord expects us to be devoted to one another in brotherly love.  This is something we do as part of Jesus’ command for Christians to love one another.  In John 14:34, 35 Jesus declares, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

Isn’t it wonderful to be loved?  Isn’t it a blessing to have friends who are caring and devoted?  Think of the richness of relationships we have with those who live out this verse.  Think of individuals that you know who exemplify this truth.  Their lives engender appreciation and gratitude within us.  We are to be the same kind of people. We have the opportunity for others to experience the devotion and love flowing through our lives.  We get to be blessed by being a blessing to them.

One of my favorite verses is Matthew 5:16, “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”  When we are genuinely devoted to one another in brotherly love, the result is our Father in heaven being glorified.  What a thrilling thought that others will glorify God simply by seeing us live the lives He wants us to live.  Not only that, but loving one another is primary evidence that we are Jesus’ disciples.

When I read of honoring one another I think of humility.  What a refreshing quality that is!  The Message presents another thought on humility, “Be good friends who love deeply; practice playing second fiddle.”  We get to honor and defer to others.  Bless them.  Take the lesser seat – not grudgingly, but joyfully.  Be other-oriented rather than self-centered.  One of the great blessings of this process is the heartfelt gratitude we develop.  The more we become what God intends us to be, the more gratitude we have for His kindness and grace.