"Honor One Another"

June 03, 2024 | By Chuck

  So much is written and taught about how we are to love one another and forgive one another. That is not a bad thing at all. In fact, I think it is very much a good thing and has proven healthy for the Lord’s church. Jesus put great emphasis on His expectation of us loving and forgiving each other. The hard truth is that not practicing these teachings of Jesus will affect our eternal destination. So, I am thankful we give a great deal of attention to these teachings today. But we must realize there are other similar teachings that also deserve our attention and practice.

            “Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.” (Romans 12:10) Just last Sunday PGA Tour golfers wore a black or red ribbon to honor PGA player Grayson Murray who died the day before. I’m sure it was touching for his family to see their loved one honored by his peers. In the above-cited verse, Paul teaches Christians to honor one another. It almost sounds like a friendly competition when Paul uses the word “outdo.” I am to outdo you in showing honor. How much thought do we really give to honoring our brothers and sisters in Christ.

            Honoring others is a powerful and important thing. When we honor someone, we show them respect. We acknowledge them and their accomplishments. We are sending the message that we see them and we are genuinely proud of them. Our brother or sister does not go overlooked or feel as if they do not matter when we honor them. When you honor someone, you are putting them before yourself. You cannot truly honor someone when you have envy and jealousy in your heart.

            Honoring others is not difficult. It is simple recognition of who they are and what they mean to you and God. It could be honoring them for an award they received or a job promotion or honoring them for being a faithful Christian servant. Our marriage wall of honor is about honoring couples in the church who have been married for many years. In my opinion, the greatest thing we accomplish when honoring our brothers and sisters is encouragement. There is not a person alive who does not need encouragement. Encouragement is at times what keeps Christians faithful and focused. By honoring our brothers and sisters in Christ, we encourage and motivate them in their spiritual journey.