Verse of the Day
Saturday, May 24, 2025
Romans 12:10
Love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor.
Introduction
Romans 12:10 is a short but powerful exhortation that encapsulates the essence of Christian community life. Within this verse, the Apostle Paul calls believers not only to love each other but to cultivate a spirit of respectful competition—seeking to exceed one another in showing honor. This verse challenges superficial love by calling for active, affectionate commitment and genuine respect within the body of Christ.
Commentary
The verse is composed of two interrelated imperatives:
1. "Love one another with mutual affection": The Greek phrase here, philostorgoi, combines two words for love: philos (friendship) and storgē (familial love). Paul is calling for a deep, family-like affection among believers—more than cordial kindness, it’s the warm, committed love found among close kin.
2. "Outdo one another in showing honor": The second half of the verse introduces a surprising and profound twist. The verb translated as “outdo” (proēgeomai) can also mean “to go before” or “take the lead.” Paul is urging Christians to be intentional and eager in honoring others—to lead the way in lifting up others’ worth, accomplishments, and dignity. Instead of competing for recognition, believers are to compete in humility and honor-giving.
Understanding the Context
Romans 12 marks a shift in Paul’s letter from doctrine to practical instruction. After laying out deep theological truths in chapters 1–11, Paul begins chapter 12 with a call for believers to offer themselves as “living sacrifices” (v.1), to be transformed by the renewing of their minds (v.2), and to live out the gospel in community (vv.3–21).
Verse 10 is part of a list of exhortations (vv. 9–21) that describe what genuine Christian love looks like in practice. It forms part of the ethical foundation for life in the church—a life shaped by grace and guided by self-giving love.
Application for Today
In an age where individualism, competition, and self-promotion often dominate our culture, Romans 12:10 calls believers to embody a radically different posture. Here are a few ways this verse can be lived out today:
In the church community: Foster deep, familial relationships, not just Sunday-morning acquaintances. Check in with others, celebrate their milestones, and offer practical help in times of need.
In leadership: Model servant leadership by honoring others' contributions and lifting up their gifts before asserting your own.
In everyday interactions: Resist the urge to seek recognition; instead, look for opportunities to affirm and celebrate the value of those around you.
This verse reminds us that Christian love is not passive or abstract—it is intentional, selfless, and rooted in humility.
Reflection
Romans 12:10 asks each of us: How well do I love those in my Christian community—not just with kind words, but with a love that treats them like family? Do I make it a priority to honor others, or do I subtly seek honor for myself? As we grow in Christ, our relationships must reflect the love He modeled—a love that puts others first, affirms their dignity, and seeks their good above our own.
Let us strive to become people whose love is more than emotion—people who go out of their way to honor others with joy, sincerity, and grace.
The Bible texts are from the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) Bible, copyright © 1989, 1993 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Verse of the Day is a daily inspirational and encouraging Bible verse extracted from BibleGateway.com. Commentary by Kenny Sallee, ThM.
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