Verse of the Day 9/11

 

Romans 12:10   Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.  New International Version (NIV)

 

As mentioned yesterday, this passage in Romans gives us a view of the Marks of a true Christian.  It reveals the character traits of life that is "filled with the Spirit".  Paul outlines personal duties as we saw yesterday, duties towards family in today's verse, then onto others and even our enemies.

 

Other translations start out with be kindly affectionate or show brotherly love.  The meaning is the same.  It is loving our family members with their best interest at heart, wanting what's best for them.  It will not be easy and there will be challenges, their will be a need of forgiveness.  There will also be a need for instilling hope and encouraging faith.  Devote is defined as setting one apart for special use or service.  In the context of this verse it is making our loved ones a priority "giving ourselves up" for their benefit.  In doing so we will be honoring them..

 

It is not the way of the world where just about everyone is looking our for number one and that number one being "me".

 

Read what Paul had to say to the church at Philippi.

 

Philippians 2:1-4 If you've gotten anything at all out of following Christ, if his love has made any difference in your life, if being in a community of the Spirit means anything to you, if you have a heart, if you care— then do me a favor: Agree with each other, love each other, be deep-spirited friends. Don't push your way to the front; don't sweet-talk your way to the top. Put yourself aside, and help others get ahead. Don't be obsessed with getting your own advantage. Forget yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand.  The Message (MSG)

 

May we be "deep spirited" friends and "practice playing second fiddle" (see below) as we head out today.

 

In Christ,
Mike

 

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Eph 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace  NIV

Romans 12:9-10

The Message (MSG)

^9-10 Love from the center of who you are; don't fake it. Run for dear life from evil; hold on for dear life to good. Be good friends who love deeply; practice playing second fiddle.