What does the word honor mean to you? In biblical terms honor has two meanings: to respect out of awe and to respect by commitment. Both meanings tag team together to say I love you so much I would never do anything to disrespect you by my deeds or by my words.
Romans 12: 9-13 states:
9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in
brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your
spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13
Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality. (NIV)
brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your
spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13
Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality. (NIV)
It is extremely important to note that chapter 12 of Romans follows 11 chapters of Paul laying
down the theological foundations of the gospel. This is where Paul is saying, “Here’s how those 11
chapters of gospel truth impact our lives!” Notice that Paul moves directly from what Christ has
done for us to the new community he creates (12:3-5). The implications of the gospel are always
fleshed out in a living flesh and blood community of people.
down the theological foundations of the gospel. This is where Paul is saying, “Here’s how those 11
chapters of gospel truth impact our lives!” Notice that Paul moves directly from what Christ has
done for us to the new community he creates (12:3-5). The implications of the gospel are always
fleshed out in a living flesh and blood community of people.
The focus of this devotion is on the call of the gospel to develop devoted relationships that are
characterized by the mutual giving of honor. Verse 9 is the topic sentence of this entire section in
chapter 12 (12:9-21). Love is to be genuine or “without hypocrisy”. Hypocrisy can be literally
translated “with mask”. The passage is a description of a community without masks, a
community that loves authentically.
Kim and I are committed to our relationship without "masks". This provides a feeling of security and trust and makes sure that everything is always "in the light." Here are some small steps you might take to ensure honor in all of your relationships:
1. Make sure that all email accounts, web sites (including Facebook), telephone accounts are open to your spouse. There should be no secrecy such as passwords or web accounts if you are truly honoring your spouse.
2. Make decisions based on the fact that all things in your life could be public in needed. In other words, don't add web sites, TV channels or movies that you would not want you family to see openly.
3. Avoid conversations with the opposite sex, via telephone or email unless your spouse has knowledge of this. This shuts the door to any possible temptation that might arise.
4. Always speak the truth in love to all relationships.
5. Always be constructive when speaking to or of your relationships.
In all of these honor Daddy first. If we are honoring Him, we most likely are honoring His.
Daddy I want to honor you with my life. Let all things concerned with me always be in the light. I love you and want to make you proud of me.
Your son,
Jody
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