Unlimited: Devoted to One Another
Jul 26, 2023 474
Be devoted to one another in love (Romans 12:10a).
The root Greek word which Paul uses here for “love” is “philos” which emphasises the kind of love that one has for a brother or sister in their family. The actual Greek word Paul uses is “Philadelphia” which was the name of the ancient city in Asia Minor, and also the city founded by William Penn in North America, and which literally means “brotherly love.”
The meaning of the Greek word underlying “be devoted” refers to the indescribably tender affection that a mother has for a child, as well as the delight that she experiences in the relationship.
Our relationships with one another are not to be cold and formal, but deeply genuine and sincere
All of this gives us deep insights into the nature of the relationships that followers of Jesus should have with one another, because God has welcomed us into his family as his own dear children. Our relationships with one another are not to be cold and formal, but deeply genuine and sincere, in which we care for one another and find delight in each other.
As we all know, this isn’t always easy within our Christian communities. However, neither is it always easy within our natural families either. The love of God should cause us to transcend all of these difficulties and develop the deepest bonds of love.
Spiritual Application
How deep and genuine are your bonds of love for those within your spiritual community? How does it compare with the love that you have for your earthly family?
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