“Honor listens in love, humbly receiving words that carry divine directives.”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – December 16, 2024
Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Romans 12:10
Relationships tend to be transactional—exchanging something of value, or transformational—experiencing a deeper connection with the potential to transform who we are and what we do. Transactional relationships may be more efficient in the short term, but transformational relationships provide exceedingly more value in the long term. In The Four Loves, C.S. Lewis highlights the importance of genuine, transformational relationships. He writes, “Friendship is unnecessary, like philosophy, like art… It has no survival value; rather it is one of those things which give value to survival.” Lewis highlights the depth of relationships built on mutual care over self-benefit. Paul defines this elevated experience as being devoted to one another in love.
What does it mean to be devoted? To be devoted is a vow to one other in earnest love. Just as followers of Jesus are devoted to God, He also calls us to be devoted to His children…our brothers and sisters in Christ. In contrast to a transactional relationship of the world, we have the joy and gift from God to experience an otherworldly transformational relationship. But this gift from our heavenly Father needs nurturing and care. Devotion seeks to know and love another.
In The Meaning of Marriage, Tim Keller explains that transformational relationships are rooted in self-sacrificial love. He writes, “To be loved but not known is comforting but superficial. To be known and not loved is our greatest fear. But to be fully known and truly loved is a lot like being loved by God.” Wow! Fully known (our fears and longings), fully loved (safe and authentic). Transformational relationships do the hard work of relational care and relational repair. Care by keeping up with each other, praying for one another, and repairing when disconnection occurs. Repairing with humility, understanding, forgiveness, and repentance. Love is devoted for life.
Paul further states that honoring others above ourselves is essential to transformational relationships. What does it mean to honor another? To honor others is to place their welfare above my self-interest. To honor is to recognize another as a vessel of the Lord’s heart for you. Henri Nouwen tenderly reminds us, “When I listen with love, I will hear the voice of God who speaks to me through them.” Honor listens in love, humbly receiving words that carry divine directives. Giving honor is a posture of being subject to the Lord and being subject to another.
Foundational to all relationships is your transformational relationship with the Holy Trinity. Here is a creative modern-day parable about the transformational role of each person of the Trinity:
In a bustling city, a young urban gardener named Emma struggled to grow a thriving garden. She had tools but no guidance. One day, a kind mentor representing the loving Trinity visited her. The Father showed her the garden’s blueprint, explaining the importance of roots—faith grounded in Him. He encouraged Emma to trust His design even when growth seemed slow. The Son, with calloused hands, helped her till the soil. “Transformation requires effort,” He said, “but I’ve walked this path before you.” The Holy Spirit breathed life into the seeds, guiding her in watering and pruning. “Stay close,” the Spirit whispered. “I’ll lead you daily.” Soon, Emma’s garden flourished—a testimony to humility, trust, and transformation into Christ’s likeness.
Prayer
Lord, transform my heart to love You deeply and seek Your will. Help me build authentic, life-giving relationships with others, reflecting Your grace, humility, and unconditional love in every interaction. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Application
Consider thanking another for their transformational influence on your life.
Related Reading
Proverbs 3:9; 1 Corinthians 10:31; Ephesians 4:2; Philippians 2:3-4
Worship Resource
Elevation Worship/Bella Cordero: Always on Time
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