“Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality.” – Romans 12:10-13
Paul’s words in Romans 12:10 call us into a kind of love that feels like home: “Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another.” The word he uses—philostorgos—describes the natural affection found in a healthy family. A child doesn’t need to be taught to love their parents; it flows instinctively. In the same way, God has poured His divine love into our hearts so that we might extend it to one another (Philippians 2:3). This is not forced, mechanical affection—it is the fruit of the Spirit at work in us, shaping us into a people who love like Jesus loves.
But Paul doesn’t stop at how we treat others—he turns inward and reminds us that love must flow from a heart anchored in the Lord. “Not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer” (Romans 12:11–12). It’s like the oxygen‑mask principle on an airplane: you secure your own mask first so you can help others breathe. In the same way, we serve others best when our own hearts are burning with devotion to Christ. When we rejoice in the hope of our salvation, endure trials with patience, and remain steadfast in prayer, our lives become a steady flame that warms and strengthens those around us.
Then Paul brings us back to outward action: “distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality” (Romans 12:13). The early church lived this out boldly—selling possessions, supporting the poor, caring for widows, and sending relief to believers in other cities. Hospitality literally means “love for strangers,” and it was this radical, self‑giving love that caused a pagan world to look at the church and say, “These people are different.” They were first called Christians in Antioch because their love looked like Christ’s love—sacrificial, generous, and without limits.
Ask the Lord to grow in you a family‑like love for His people—a love that honors others, serves eagerly, prays continually, and gives generously. Let your life be so marked by Christlike affection that the world can’t help but notice. As you sow to the Spirit, these qualities will become the natural outflow of your renewed mind. And as you love this way, you won’t just talk about Jesus—you will reflect Him.
“Christian love is caring for others because God has cared for us. It is practical, humble, and self‑forgetful.” – John Stott
surrendered devotions 