Love That Is Manifested As Honor

I happen to love this chunk of scripture but I always remind myself that there are eleven chapters in Romans before Paul lays this out...

"Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, 'Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.' To the contrary, 'if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.' Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." - Romans 12:9-21 ESV

There is so much in there but this morning I am seeing 'love that is manifested as honor.' This honor that flows from genuine love sees something special in everyone. Each person is made in God's image and we can honor them in that. We can honor service through recognition. We can even show honor to those who have aligned themselves against us by not 'repaying evil for evil.'

Jesus really honors this next group and models honor in front of them...

"While He was still talking to the multitudes, behold, His mother and brothers stood outside, seeking to speak with Him... But He answered and said to the one who told Him, 'Who is My mother and who are My brothers?' And He stretched out His hand toward His disciples and said, 'Here are My mother and My brothers! 'For whoever does the will of My Father in heaven is My brother and sister and mother.' " - Matthew 12:46, 48-50 NKJV

God is revealed when we operate in premeditated honor.

Young men need to see honor manifested in older men. Men learn how to be leaders in an atmosphere of honor. A man who feels powerless has forgotten about honor.

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