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John 13:34,35
A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another…

John 15:17
These things I command you, that ye love one another.

John 17:21
That they all may be one; as thou, Father,art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.

with brotherly love.

Job 1:4
And his sons went and feastedin their houses, every one his day; and sent and called for their three sisters to eat and to drink with them.

Psalm 133:1
A Song of degrees of David. Behold, how good and how pleasantit is for brethren to dwell together in unity!

in honour.

Genesis 13:9
Is not the whole land before thee? separate thyself, I pray thee, from me: ifthou wilt take the left hand, then I will go to the right; or ifthou depart to the right hand, then I will go to the left.

Matthew 20:26
But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister;

Luke 14:10
But when thou art bidden, go and sit down in the lowest room; that when he that bade thee cometh, he may say unto thee, Friend, go up higher: then shalt thou have worship in the presence of them that sit at meat with thee.

Outdo yourselves in honoring one another.
This phrase challenges believers to go beyond mere respect and actively seek to elevate others above themselves. The Greek word for "honoring" (time) implies valuing others highly and recognizing their worth. In a Roman context, where social status and honor were significant, this instruction subverts cultural norms by encouraging believers to prioritize others' honor over their own. This aligns withPhilippians 2:3, where Paul instructs believers to consider others better than themselves, reflecting the humility of Christ. The idea of "outdoing" suggests a competitive spirit, but in a positive sense, where the goal is to excel in lifting others up. This principle is rooted in the example of Jesus, who, though He was God, humbled Himself and served others (Philippians 2:5-8). By honoring one another, believers reflect the character of Christ and foster a community marked by love and mutual respect.

“Be devoted” conveys unwavering, covenant-style commitment. Paul has just said we are “one body in Christ, and individually members of one another” (Romans 12:5), so loyalty to fellow believers is non-optional.

•Acts 2:42 shows the first church “devoted” to fellowship—time, resources, and attention were gladly invested.

•Galatians 6:10 urges us to “do good to everyone, and especially to the household of faith.”

•True devotion sticks through inconvenience, disagreement, and need (Proverbs 17:17).

Practical picture:

–Keep regular contact with believers, not just Sunday hellos.

–Show up when someone moves, grieves, or needs prayer at midnight.

–Safeguard reputations; refuse gossip (Ephesians 4:29).

The verse ties devotion to “brotherly love,” the affection siblings are meant to share. Jesus raised the bar: “Just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another” (John 13:34-35).

•1 Peter 1:22 commands “sincere brotherly love,” flowing from a purified heart.

•Hebrews 13:1 simply says, “Let brotherly love continue.”

•1 John 3:16 explains the cost: “We ought to lay down our lives for the brothers.”

Practically, brotherly love:

–Listens first (James 1:19).

–Likes being together—meals, laughter, worship.

–Shares possessions without resentment (Acts 4:32).

“Outdo” introduces a friendly race to the bottom of self-forgetful service. We bend over backward so others cross the finish line first.

•Philippians 2:3 says, “In humility consider others more important than yourselves.”

•Hebrews 10:24 urges us to “spur one another on toward love and good deeds.”

•2 Corinthians 8:7 commends excelling in gracious acts.

Ways to “outdo”:

–Arrive early to set up chairs; stay late to wash dishes.

–Take the less visible task so someone else can shine.

–Look for overlooked people to encourage (1 Thessalonians 5:11).

Honor means assigning high value. People made in God’s image are treasures, not tools.

•Romans 13:7 tells us to “give everyone what you owe him… honor to whom honor is due.”

•1 Peter 2:17: “Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood.”

•Mark 10:43-45 shows Jesus redefining greatness as serving.

Practical expressions:

–Speak well of absent brothers and sisters.

–Refuse to interrupt; listen attentively (James 1:19).

–Celebrate others’ successes without envy (Romans 12:15).

–Show deference in disputable matters (Romans 14:19).

Romans 12:10 calls believers to lifelong, family-style commitment, energized by affectionate love, expressed through eager competition to serve, and evidenced by honoring words and actions. Together these commands form a culture where Christ’s body flourishes and His character is plainly seen.

Preferring one another.--Rather, perhaps,anticipating one another. The Christian is to take the initiative, and show honour or respect to others without waiting for them to show it to him.