Love with Brotherly Affection

“Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.” Romans 12:10 ESV

In a story titled “2023 Philadelphia Marathon runners took the city by storm,” it was reported that top runners from around the world competed in the 30th annual Philadelphia Marathon on Sunday. People cheered as thousands of runners braved not only the cold but any feelings of doubt or hesitation to participate in the Philadelphia Marathon. "We really saw the City of Brotherly Love showing up and showing out and people were making sure that we had the motivation that we needed," Caleb-Michael Files said… About 35,000 people took part in the marathon races throughout the weekend. 

And you know, when it comes to showing brotherly love, the Bible tells us that we are to not only “love one another with brotherly affection” but we are to “outdo one another in showing honor” as well. This means that the love we feel for other believers should be real, sincere and genuine—recognizing that we are true brothers and sisters in the body of Christ. As such, we are to highly respect, esteem and praise one another as fellow children of God who were adopted into the same family by grace alone.  

So if you’re going to go all out in anything, let it be to surpass your brothers and sisters in displaying honor my friend. Continue to show up and show out in big ways so the lost will see your love for one another and be inspired to seek the One who inspires this deep familial affection.  

Heavenly Father, thank You for modeling what it means to love others despite their flaws and shortcomings and for adopting us into Your family. Help us to love our brothers and sisters as we’re called to Lord and to lift them up and encourage them at every opportunity. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!