A Clay Jar

Encouraging, comforting, and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory. (1 Thess. 2:12 NIV)

Devoted to One Another with Mutual Love

Romans 12:10

Published on:

Last Updated on:

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.

Related Posts

God Cares About the Needy – Deuteronomy 14:28-29

God cares for the needy. And it is good for us to share what we have with them. It is an act of love that will not be forgotten by God.

Sermon on the Mount: Ask, Seek, and Knock – Matthew 7:7-12

Jesus promises that if, as God’s children, we ask, we will receive. If we seek, we will find. And if we knock, the door will be opened.

Welcome a Little Child – Luke 9:46-48

Jesus said that when we welcome a little child in his name, we are welcoming Jesus. So welcome the insignificant ones you encounter each day.

God Lives in Us If We Love One Another – 1 John 4:12

As I love others, God’s love flows through me. And it does not leave me unchanged. It will work to transform me into the image of Christ.

Additional Related Posts

If you have found value in this post, please consider sharing it with your friends.

Subscribe to A Clay Jar

If you have found value in this post, please consider subscribing to A Clay Jar so that you don't miss any other posts. 

Just an old clay jar that God continues to see fit to use in his kingdom's work. I am retired, married with 2 children, and 4 grandchildren. I have followed Jesus for many years. And I love to share what He has given me from His word.

A Note to Readers

The views expressed here are solely mine and do not necessarily reflect those of any other person, group, or organization. While I believe they reflect the teachings of the Bible, I am a fallible human and subject to misunderstanding. Please feel free to leave any comments or questions about this post in the comments section below. I am always interested in your feedback.

Leave a Comment