Romans 12:10

10 as to brotherly love, kindly affectioned towards one another: as to honour, each taking the lead in paying it to the other:

Romans 12:10 Meaning and Commentary

Romans 12:10

Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love,
&c.] This is one branch of that love, before advised to, which should be unfeigned, and without guile and deceit. The objects of this grace are "brethren", not in such sense as all the descendants of Adam are, or men of the same country be, or as such who are born of the same parents in a natural sense are; to each of whom love is due under their respective characters and relations: but such who are so in a spiritual sense, who are born of God, are of his household, belong to his family, are the brethren of Christ, and one another; and are either members of the same church, incorporated together in the same church state, or at least members of Christ, and of the church universal. Now love to these should be kind, tender, and affectionate, reciprocal and mutual; such should love one another; there should be no love wanting on either side; and it ought to be universal, and reach to all the saints, though of different gifts, light, knowledge and experience, or whether high or low, rich or poor; and should show itself by bearing one another's burdens, bearing with, and forbearing each other, forgiving one another, and by edifying one another in their most holy faith, and praying with, and for one another.

In honour preferring one another;
saints should think honourably of one another, and entertain an honourable esteem of each other; yea, should esteem each other better thou themselves; and not indulge evil surmises, and groundless jealousies of one another, which is contrary to that love that thinks no evil. They should speak honourably of each other in Christian company, and discourage that evil practice of whisperings, backbitings, and innuendos; they should treat each other with honour and respect in their common conversation, and especially when met together as a church of Christ. They should go before each other in giving honour, and showing respect, as the word (prohgoumenov) , signifies: they should set each other an example; and which also may be taken into the sense of the word, should prevent one another, not waiting until respect is shown on one side to return it again. Nor does this rule at all break in upon that order that should subsist, and be maintained in bodies civil and ecclesiastical, which requires superior honour to be given to persons according to their character, office, and station in which they are.

Romans 12:10 In-Context

8 or he that exhorts, in exhortation; he that gives, in simplicity; he that leads, with diligence; he that shews mercy, with cheerfulness.

9 Let love be unfeigned; abhorring evil; cleaving to good:

10 as to brotherly love, kindly affectioned towards one another: as to honour, each taking the lead in paying it to the other:

11 as to diligent zealousness, not slothful; in spirit fervent; serving the Lord.

12 As regards hope, rejoicing: as regards tribulation, enduring: as regards prayer, persevering:

Footnotes

• [a]. 'Taking the lead in paying it' is a paraphrase, but I know not how to present the sense more briefly.