Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another. Romans 12:10
The late Howard Godsoe used to recite a little poem on occasion: ‘To dwell above with those we love, that will indeed be glory. To dwell below with those we know, well, that’s a different story’. It is a sad thing to see members of a family who get along better with people outside the family circle than they do with their own flesh and blood. It is even more sad to see members of a Christian community, such as members of God’s Assembly, who get along better with those in the outside world than they do with their own brothers and sisters in Christ. That is certainly not the desire of our Lord for us, and that is why He has left us today’s text.
Note the word ‘kindly’ in our text. Someone has wisely defined kindness as love in work clothes. Kindness does not sit on a shelf; it is a word that brims with action. To be kind to each other as Christians means we are quick to do things that are helpful to each other. Little things are included, such as warm greetings, a hug when needed, a listening ear when troubles come, a cup of coffee and a donut on occasion. Big things are included, such as pitching in to help with a major project like moving or building a garage, babysitting when necessary, giving a lift to someplace in a hurry. Kindness doesn’t find anything inconvenient or awkward, but gladly pitches in.
The word ‘affectioned’ isn’t in anybody’s usual vocabulary, but its meaning should be in every Christian’s heart. This means not only showing the kindness that we have already talked about, but also doing so with warmth and genuine affection. This means we honestly like and truly want to be helpful and friendly to each other. In fact, this is how the world should see us as Christians, and if we are as kindly affectioned as we should be, this will be a testimony that will speak louder than any Gospel sermon that we could preach.
The last part of our text would make no sense to the world. The world’s emphasis on self esteem leaves no room for honouring each other in such a way that we will consider the needs, comforts, and success of other Christians as more important than our own. This is not an easy attitude to adopt because it is so foreign to our human nature, but it is the way our Lord Jesus lived. So we have a perfect example to follow.
Our text sets a high standard for us. Just imagine how wonderful our fellowship would be if we got this verse right in our lives! – Jim MacIntosh