Romans 12:10 AMP
[10] Be devoted to one another with [authentic] brotherly affection [as members of one family], give preference to one another in honor;
In order to fully grasp the weight of the counsel given in the verse above, it is important to consider the audience of the letter. Paul was writing to brothers and sisters who were connected by the blood of Jesus, to offer their bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, as true and proper worship. This counsel is for people who have made up their minds to follow Jesus as their Lord Saviour and Master. The counsel becomes quite critical considering the times we are in, and the demand of this present generation. We are in a careless world, where standards are being compromised. The fear of God no longer seems to be fashionable; we now define love from a selfish, narrow-minded perspective, seeking only what I can get out of the relationship. It is not a wonder, then, that Paul goes on to charge his audience not to be conformed to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of their minds.
The counsel above is important. God calls His own to live by different standards. The way of the world is good for those who are under its control and influence. The way of the world is strange to those who are under the control and influence of the Holy Spirit. It is by total surrender to Jesus that I am able to test and approve what God’s good, pleasing and perfect will is. How would I know what God's will is if I do not place myself where I can be exposed to His Word? How would I know His mind, and what He loves and hates, if I do not spend time with like-minded people, who are seeking the same thing as me? It has to be clear that the expectation of God for His children are different from those who are yet to submit to Him. If I claim to know and follow God, I will not struggle with the instructions in the verse above. If I am still fighting for my own selfish interests, I may need to check and confirm who is sitting on the throne of my heart.
What does it mean to be devoted to one another with [authentic] brotherly affection? It means that blood is the main factor that determines identity and relevance. We all come from different backgrounds and have different start points, but the blood of Jesus gives us all a level playing field. Nobody is better than any other person. The blood of Jesus makes me see the other person the same way Jesus does;: a life that is precious. The blood of Jesus makes us all members of one family; one Saviour, one Lord, a common salvation; one hope of eternal life, and one destination. This understanding helps me in giving honour to other people. It does not in any way make me inferior to anyone,but helps me reflect the identity of Jesus. I do not have a problem with giving preference to another person, because someone else is doing the same to me. That is what we have been called to do. Can God trust me to align my life with His will? God's time of favour is here.
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