True Christian love delights in honoring others, and the result is incredible …

“Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.” — Romans 12:10.

Imagine a church where every believer actively seeks opportunities to honor others — not begrudgingly, not out of obligation, but with delight. Picture a fellowship where people take joy in lifting others up, acknowledging their worth, and celebrating their God-given gifts. Such a church would be a place of warmth, encouragement, and selfless love, radiating the very character of Christ. Yet, the reality in many congregations today is far from this ideal. Why?

The command to love each other with genuine affection is foundational. Without true love, honoring one another becomes a forced act, a mere duty rather than a delight. But Paul’s instruction in Romans 12:10 goes beyond simply respecting or esteeming others, it calls us to delight in doing so. This isn’t just about “giving people their due”; it’s about finding real joy in elevating others above ourselves. The lack of this in many (most?) churches today reveals a deeper problem: selfishness, pride, and a failure to fully grasp Christ’s transforming love.

At the core of our fallen nature is a self-centeredness that resists putting others before ourselves. We want recognition, validation, and honor for ourselves. This is why the world thrives on competition, self-promotion, and status-seeking. But when we come to Christ, we are called to a different way — a way where our hearts are reshaped by His love, compelling us to honor others freely and joyfully.

So, how do we move from reluctantly acknowledging others to genuinely delighting in honoring them?

1. Be transformed by the love of Christ. The more we experience Christ’s love, the more we are freed from the need to seek our own glory. ” … Christ’s love controls us …” (2 Corinthians 5:14a). When we are secure in His love, we no longer need to grasp for recognition, we can freely and joyfully lift others up.

2. Renew your mind through humility. Paul exhorts us, “… Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us,” Romans 12:3b. Genuine humility allows us to see the beauty in others without feeling threatened. It enables us to celebrate their gifts and achievements instead of envying them.

3. Recognize honor as a reflection of Christ’s character. Jesus, the King of kings, honored others in His ministry. He washed His disciples’ feet, spoke life into the outcasts, and willingly took the lowest place. Honoring others is not just a virtue; it is Christlikeness in action.

4. Practice the habit of encouragement. Taking delight in honoring others starts with small, intentional steps. Look for opportunities to affirm, encourage, and uplift those around you. A simple word of recognition, a note of gratitude, or a public acknowledgment of someone’s contribution can create a culture of honor in your church.

5. Remember the eternal perspective. In honoring others, we are not just engaging in a nice social practice, we are investing in eternity. Jesus said, “The greatest among you must be a servant,” Matthew 23:11. Those who humble themselves now will be exalted by God in His kingdom.

Imagine if every believer truly took delight in honoring others — not just in the church, but in their families, friendships, workplaces, and communities. Parents would honor their children by truly listening to them. Spouses would build each other up instead of tearing each other down. Employees would respect and affirm their colleagues. Struggles with pride, division, and competition would be replaced by a spirit of unity and joy.

This is the life Christ desires for us. This is the witness we can have in the world.

Let’s not settle for mere politeness or surface-level acknowledgment of others. Let’s ask God to transform our hearts so that we delight — truly delight — in honoring one another. For in doing so, we reflect the very heart of Christ.

Scotty