Romans 12:10 - "Honor one another above yourselves."
What is honor?
"Time" (in the Greek) means - to value, to respect, or to highly esteem; to treat as precious, weighty, or valuable
"Atimos" (in the Greek) means - To treat as common or ordinary
We often take for granted what is familiar.
What about those who are dishonorable?
1 Peter 2:17 - 'Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor. '
Peter doesn't give any conditions or exceptions; we honor everyone!
Emperor Nero:
- He would crucify Christians
- Burn Christians alive
- Christians would be thrown to the beasts
Action 1: Pray for them
I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— - 1 Timothy 2:1
When we pray, God softens our heart to what he sees in people.
'For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. - John 3:16-17
'Because you are his sons & daughters, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “ Abba, Father.” So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir. - Galatians 4:6-7
'I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. - John 15:15
Action 2: Express your gratitude for them
When we express gratitude to someone, we highlight their value.
It’s easy to find dirt, it’s a skill to find gold.
Action 3: Bless them
Romans 12:17-21 - 'Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.'
Romans 12:10 - "Honor one another above yourselves."
What is honor?
"Time" (in the Greek) means - to value, to respect, or to highly esteem; to treat as precious, weighty, or valuable
"Atimos" (in the Greek) means - To treat as common or ordinary
We often take for granted what is familiar.
What about the dishonorable?
1 Peter 2:17 'Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor. '
Peter doesn't give any conditions or exceptions; we honor everyone!
Emperor Nero:
- He would crucify Christians
- Burn Christians alive
- Christians would be thrown to the beasts
Culture tells us to "get back at people", but Scriptures commands us differently.
Romans 12:17-21 'Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.'
Why do we honor?
We honor people because of how Jesus views and honors them.
How do we honor?
1. Pray for them
2. Express your gratitude for them
3. Bless them
What would happen if you did this in your relationships this week?
Imagine what would happen if our entire church did tihs. What would be the result?