“Be tenderly devoted to one another in brotherly love; outdo one another in giving honor.”
Romans 12:10 TLV
In one of my early blogs in February, I wrote about the topic of honor and one of my “must-read-and-reread books” by John Bevere, Honors Reward. The book was transformative to me.
The Greek word for honor in today’s passage is timḗ, )tee-may’) and means to place a value, concretely and collectively; to esteem, especially of the highest degree. In this passage, it also gives the synonyms of deference and reverence. In other words, it’s recognizing the worth and value of another.
In the profession I work in, as in most, there’s a huge emphasis on power and privilege. Specifically – recognizing the power and privilege I have as a hearing individual and all that entails. I cannot speak as an expert on the subject but I will say this: I’ve long felt the solution to power and privilege dynamics is honor. If we would be intentional about “outdoing one another” in showing honor, I believe it would solve a myriad of issues. Think about it – if I chose to value and esteem to my neighbor, my colleagues, my consumers, the man on the street, and the person I disagree with instead of judging and criticizing them, perhaps I would find common ground and grow in love. Each person I encounter was created by the Supreme Creator of the Universe – therefore, each one is sacred and worthy of my honor, my esteem, and my respect. And only when I honor and esteem another will I contribute to healing and reconciliation.
Alathia’s favorite band, For King and Country, has a song called “Relate” that fits today’s passage. The chorus goes like this, “I don’t know what it’s like to be you; You don’t know what it’s like to be me. What if we’re all the same in different kinds of ways. Can you, can you relate? We both know what it’s like to be hurt. We both know what it’s like to feel pain. But I think it’s safe to say we’re on to better days. Can you, can you relate?”
I believe one of the greatest challenges we face as human-beings is to open our hearts enough to relate to the people around us. Only when we begin to recognize and make an attempt to understand each other will we experience healing as a community and nation, and it all begins with honor which is a choice I make every day and in every conversation. May I always choose honor over hate.
Father – Thank You for Your Word and truth. Help me to be an instrument of healing and reconciliation. Help me to honor others as Your sacred creation and gift to the world. You are good and You keep doing good. Your leadership in my life is perfect and You can be trusted. Amen.
Daily Reading: Romans 8-10
December 10, 2022