Be devoted to one another with mutual love, showing eagerness in honoring one another.
Romans 12:10 NET
An expert in the Law asked Jesus, in Matthew 22:34-40, about the greatest commandment. And he replied that it was to love (agape) God with all we are (Deut. 6:5) and to love (agape) our neighbor as ourselves (Lev. 19:18). Jesus concluded his response by saying that all the law and prophets hang on those two commands: to love God and love others. If we do those two things, we have done what God wants of us.
What Does It Mean to Love?
But what does it mean to love my neighbor? Especially those who are a part of the community of believers I am a part of. Romans 12:9-13 answers this question. This passage starts by telling us that love (agape) must be sincere, or without hypocrisy. Don’t pretend to love other believers or only make a half-hearted effort. Be committed to it.
Following this is a series of short ethical commands that expand on what it is to have agape love–God’s love–for others. Including, “be devoted to one another with mutual love”.
As a community of believers, we are more than just a social club or organization, sharing a few interests but no real commitment to each other. We are a family, brothers and sisters in Christ. Be committed to each other. Not just having casual relationships with others in the body but being devoted to one another.
Not an Easy Task
Like many of the instructions in this passage, this one is much easier to talk about than it is to do. It takes time and effort to love other people. And it is scary. They might hurt me. Going beyond surface-level relationships is not easy. To develop the strong bonds that will unite us together as one body.
But it is not optional. I must love my brothers and sisters as I do myself. Be devoted to them with mutual love. And investing time and effort in their lives. Growing together and supporting each other as the body of Christ, the people of God.
