Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor. — ROMANS 12:10
To the Thessalonians, Paul wrote, “As to the love of the brethren, you have no need for anyone to write to you. … But we urge you, brethren, to excel still more” (1 Thess. 4:9–10). And they did excel all the more in love, for when a need arose in Jerusalem, they begged for the favor to participate (2 Cor. 8:1–5). May we likewise lovingly serve the brethren without delay!
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Loving others as our own siblings is not easy. Even within the same household, taking the initiative to love can be difficult, as our human natures interfere. But this verse is preceded by the call to submit to God in light of all that He has done for us (Rom. 12:1). Such is the prerequisite to lovingly serve the household of Christ (Rom. 12:3–9).
The question then becomes: Will I serve and exercise my spiritual gifts, reflecting brotherly love? If so, do I wait until someone shows that love to me? Not according to this verse! It bids me to be the first to love, not as a response for others loving me. This is the intent of the phrase, “give preference.” The verb means, “to take the lead,” suggesting that we honor others by giving them preference and loving them first.
Did not the Lord Jesus love us first? “This is My commandment,” He said, “that you love one another, just as I have loved you” (John 15:12). He made love the identifying mark of His disciples, saying, “All men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:35).
To the Thessalonians, Paul wrote, “As to the love of the brethren, you have no need for anyone to write to you. … But we urge you, brethren, to excel still more” (1 Thess. 4:9–10). And they did excel all the more in love, for when a need arose in Jerusalem, they begged for the favor to participate (2 Cor. 8:1–5). May we likewise lovingly serve the brethren without delay!