Love [Be devoted to] each other like brothers and sisters [with family/brotherly affection]. Give each other more honour than you want for yourselves [or Outdo one another in showing honour; or Be eager to show honour to one another].

Romans 12:10 (EXB)

Our church has many people who spend many hours planning, rehearsing, and praying for our weekly worship services and various activities. They do it because the love of Christ compels them to care for God's people. Their labours of love contribute to the ambience and energy that make it possible for the rest of us to worship God in His awesome presence. If we genuinely appreciate and value their efforts, we should look for opportunities to acknowledge them and offer our best support.

When we have a culture of honour, people are genuinely released to do the things that God has gifted them to do. In the absence of giving honour or showing respect, we may become hypercritical and ungracious in accepting mistakes or the shortcomings we see in others. Correction has a place, but if we truly recognise and acknowledge God's calling in someone's life, we must do it in a way that is both loving and edifying.

The Apostle Paul tells us to outdo or surpass one another in showing honour. The Greek word for outdo is "proēgeomai". It implies that we should lead by example and not miss an opportunity to show someone the honour they deserve by going above and beyond what is expected.

There are many ways we can honour people and celebrate who they are and what they bring to make a real difference in our lives and in the lives of others. You can extend the love of God to them through phone calls, personal thank you notes or a meal. Your affirmation and encouragement will cause them to thrive and ultimately succeed in all that they want to do for God.

Our church will resemble a true family of God with brothers and sisters in Christ when we love one another as they have been loved by Christ when we surpass one another in acts of honour.