Love With Courage
Romans 12:10In love of the brothers be tenderly affectionate to one another; in honor preferring one another.
Brotherly love should be tenderly affectionate; honor should prefer the other person. Paul pushes church relationships beyond polite distance into warmth and deference. Preferring one another in honor attacks the scramble for status. Try it in a meeting: highlight someone else's idea. Try it at home: let another choose first. Tender affection may feel awkward in reserved cultures; awkward can still be holy. Cold efficiency in Christian community contradicts this verse. Send a message that carries warmth without a utilitarian ask. Hold a door for dignity, not display. Love with family feeling toward people Jesus already calls siblings. Preferring others in honor feels like losing until you notice how community breathes again. Warmth with deference is strength, not softness without spine.
PrayerLord, make my love tender and my honor quick to prefer others. Kill status-scramble in me, and warm the way I treat Your family. Amen.
