(The image, The Table of Honor, was created by ChatGPT)

 

Honoring. Genuine. Kind.

By Dr. Al Hearne II

 

Romans 12:9-10, “Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.”

We were made by God to love. In October, we examined how love begins with God’s work within us. He molds our hearts through forgiveness, humility, and patience. We discovered that God’s love is more than emotion; it shapes our mindset and character. 

Now, in November, we focus on how we were made by God to love in action. Love shifts from inward transformation to outward demonstration. It’s not only about how we think but about how we live. Authentic love emerges in daily choices, in our words, service, and generosity.

In Romans 12:9-10, Paul reminds us that genuine love is the foundation of all Christian relationships. Love must be real; it cannot be staged or selective. It is more than polite words or gestures; it is deep and sincere. Paul calls believers to live with a love that cannot be faked. “Let love be genuine,” he says, meaning love should be without hypocrisy, without pretending or acting.

To illustrate this, let’s consider the story of Sarah and her neighbor, Miss Mary. At first, Sarah’s interactions with Miss Mary were polite but distant. She would greet her kindly, yet avoided deeper engagement due to Miss Mary’s strange habits. One day, Sarah noticed Miss Mary struggling to carry groceries. Without hesitation, she offered to help, which led to a heartfelt conversation where Sarah learned about the health challenges Miss Mary was facing. As Sarah consistently reached out, her gestures moved from polite convenience to genuine empathy and care. She began to visit regularly, helping with chores and sharing meals, transforming what was once a role of obligation into a bond of true affection and support. This is love that comes from the heart, not a role we play for others. It holds steady even when relationships get complicated or people fall short. 

Although fictional, this story mirrors everyday opportunities families receive to nurture love through action. Just as Sarah made a difference in Miss Mary’s life, families can find ways to demonstrate sincere love at home. Whether it's siblings supporting each other during difficult times, reaching out to help a neighbor, or learning to express gratitude and kindness, each act of love strengthens the bonds within families and communities.

This love pursues harmony, esteems others, and recognizes every person as made in the image of God. It remains patient amid flaws and forgives swiftly. It uplifts others, listens attentively, and seeks God's handiwork in every life. Paul urges us to "outdo one another in showing honor," reminding us that love is not about being right but about reflecting Christ. By honoring others, we mend strained relationships and build trust, creating a community where every individual feels valued and respected. This approach deepens connections, allowing us to see the true worth in each other and fostering a supportive environment.

When we love like this, we begin to see others differently. The sibling who struggles, the friend who frustrates, the neighbor who needs encouragement, all become reminders of God’s love at work in the world.

Authentic love doesn’t compete; it completes. It doesn’t demand attention; it gives it. It doesn’t wait for honor: it initiates honor.

Application

This week, actively seek out specific moments to put genuine love into practice. Begin each day with this purposeful prayer: "Lord, help me to see others as You see them and to honor them as You do." As a beginner's step, take two minutes to write a quick note or send a thoughtful message to someone, expressing gratitude or encouragement. Challenge yourself to intentionally choose at least one action each day that honors someone. For families with young children, incorporate simple activities like drawing a picture for a friend or sharing a favorite toy. These actions help even the youngest family members understand and experience the joy of honoring others through small, thoughtful gestures.

At home, talk about what it means to “honor” someone. Ask your children what it looks like to honor a teacher, a sibling, or a friend. Challenge everyone in your family to name one person they can intentionally honor this week, someone who needs to be reminded of their value.

Make this goal visible by writing names on sticky notes and placing them where everyone will notice. Treat each name as a prompt for action: reach out to, encourage, or serve that person this week, remembering that every encounter is an opportunity to reflect God’s respect and love.

At school or work, honor others through your words, patience, and focused attention. Notice those often overlooked. A sincere word or simple thank-you can be powerful.

Reflection – Ask your children to reflect upon the following questions:

• What does it mean for love to be “genuine”?
• Why do you think it’s important to remember that every person is made in God’s image?
• Who is one person you could honor this week, and how will you do it?

Growth in Action

Transformation happens when love moves from words to actions. Try these as a family:

• With younger children: Build an "Honor Chain." Each day this week, commit as a family to perform and record at least one act of kindness or encouragement, something done to honor another. To make the chain, use strips of paper as links. Write each act of kindness or encouragement on a strip, then create a chain by interlinking the strips to form a visual representation of your family's love in action. Watch the chain grow as evidence of your family’s love in action.
• With older children or teens: Challenge them to send a message or note of gratitude each day this week to someone they don’t often thank, such as a teacher, classmate, or coach. Offer them the choice to express their gratitude however resonates most with them, such as sending a text, using social media, or even creating a short video. Encourage them to share their own experiences and feelings about the impact of receiving gratitude. Afterward, discuss together how these gestures made a difference, even if small. By giving them the freedom to choose their method, this activity can become more engaging and meaningful for them.
• As a family: Each evening, gather and share one moment when you actively honored someone above yourself that day. Celebrate together in prayer, giving thanks for each specific act and committing to keep growing in love. To foster lasting growth in love, consider turning this practice into a regular family tradition. Perhaps designate a specific night each week as 'Family Honor Night,' where you not only share these moments but also discuss how you can maintain this practice beyond the week. This tradition can help embed genuine love into your family's routine, encouraging ongoing reflection and commitment to honoring others.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for clothing us with compassion, kindness, humility, forgiveness, and patience in Jesus. Help us put on love above all, the love that brings harmony to home, class, and community. Make us recognizable by our love so others see You through us. Clothe us in Your character today and every day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.