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Day 9: Love and Serving One Another
In Romans 12:9-10, Paul lays out a simple yet profound challenge for Christians: “Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” This call to love and serve one another is at the heart of what it means to live as followers of Christ. It goes beyond surface-level interactions and invites us into a deeper, sacrificial kind of love—the kind that Jesus modeled for us.
What is Sincere Love?
Paul begins by instructing that our love must be sincere. Sincere love is authentic, free of hypocrisy or selfish motives. It’s not about putting on a façade or doing good to be seen by others, but about genuinely caring for the well-being of others. This kind of love requires us to move beyond mere niceties and engage with people on a deeper, more personal level.
Sincere love means loving people even when it’s inconvenient, when they’re difficult, or when we receive nothing in return. It means being honest in our relationships, offering grace, and seeking to build others up rather than focusing on ourselves.
Devotion to One Another
Paul continues by encouraging us to be “devoted to one another in love.” The Greek word used here for love is “philostorgos,” which refers to a familial, brotherly love. This speaks to the deep, personal bond that should exist among believers—a bond that reflects the love and care that family members have for one another.
Devotion to one another means putting others first, seeking their best interests, and being committed to supporting them through both good times and bad. It’s a love that is patient, kind, and willing to go the extra mile to ensure that others feel cared for and valued. This kind of devotion is not just about words, but about action—being there for one another in meaningful ways.
Honoring Others Above Ourselves
In a culture that often promotes self-promotion and individual achievement, Paul’s instruction to “honor one another above yourselves” is countercultural. To honor others means to recognize their value, appreciate their contributions, and treat them with respect and dignity. It’s about lifting others up and giving them preference, even when it costs us something.
When we honor others, we acknowledge their unique gifts, talents, and perspectives, and we celebrate what they bring to the body of Christ. Honoring others also means refusing to engage in gossip, jealousy, or comparison. Instead, we choose to encourage and affirm those around us, recognizing that we are all working together for the common good of the church and the glory of God.
Serving One Another in Love
Love is best demonstrated through service. In Galatians 5:13, Paul echoes the call to serve, saying, “You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.” Serving one another is one of the most tangible ways we can express Christ’s love to those around us.
Service requires humility and a willingness to put others’ needs ahead of our own. It can be as simple as offering a listening ear, providing for someone in need, or using our gifts to help the church and community. When we serve, we follow in the footsteps of Jesus, who “did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45).
How This Applies to Us Today
In a world that often encourages self-centeredness, living out the principles of love, devotion, and service stands in stark contrast. As Christians, we are called to create a culture of love and honor, where people feel seen, valued, and supported.
Reflect on your current relationships and your involvement in your church or community. Are there opportunities to show sincere love to someone who might need it? Can you honor someone’s contributions or support a fellow believer who may be struggling? Serving others doesn’t have to be extravagant—it’s often the small acts of kindness and humility that make the biggest difference.
Reflection Questions:
- What does sincere love look like in your life? Are there areas where your love for others may be more surface-level than genuine?
- How can you be more devoted to those around you, especially those who may be difficult to love?
- In what ways can you honor others in your church, workplace, or community? How can you take the initiative to serve someone this week?
Final Thought
Love and service are central to the Christian faith. When we love sincerely, honor others above ourselves, and serve with humility, we reflect the heart of Christ to the world. This kind of love not only strengthens our relationships within the body of Christ, but it also serves as a powerful witness to those who don’t yet know Jesus. As we continue to study Romans, let’s commit to loving and serving one another in a way that glorifies God and builds up His church.