Romans 12:10 Be kindly affectionate one to another with brotherly love; in honor preferring one another; I. WHEREIN ARE WE TO EXPRESS OUR AFFECTION TO ONE ANOTHER? 1. In desiring one another's good (1 Timothy 2:1). 2. In rejoicing in one another's prosperity (ver. 15). 3. In pitying one another's misery (ver. 15; Isaiah 63:9). 4. In forgiving one another's injuries (Matthew 6:14, 15). 5. In helping one another's necessities (1 John 3:17, 18). II. WHY SO KINDLY AFFECTIONED. 1. We are commanded to do it (John 13:34). 2. No other command can be performed without this (Romans 13:10). 3. Neither can we love God without it (1 John 3:17). 4. This is true religion (James 1:27). 5. Because we are all brethren — (1) In Adam as to the flesh (Acts 22:1). (2) In Christ as to the Spirit (1 Corinthians 15:58; Philippians 1:14).Conclusion: Be kindly affectioned to all persons. Objections: 1. They are wicked. (1) Thou canst not say that they are more wicked than thyself (1 Timothy 1:15). (2) They may be saved, and thou lost (Matthew 7:1). (3) Thou art to hate their sins, yet love them (Psalm 99:8). 2. They wronged me. (1) Thou knowest not but their iniquity was thy good, as in Joseph's brethren. (2) Thou hast injured God (Matthew 6:14, 15). (3) Their sins cannot absolve thee from thy duty. 3. But they are still my enemies. Then thou hast a special command to love them (Matthew 5:44, 46). (Bp. Beveridge.) Parallel Verses KJV: Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;WEB: In love of the brothers be tenderly affectionate one to another; in honor preferring one another; |