10 Love each other like the members of your family. Be the best at showing honor to each other. 11 Don’t hesitate to be enthusiastic—be on fire in the Spirit as you serve the Lord!
Reflection
Have you ever received an unexpected compliment? Maybe it came from someone you barely know—or don’t know at all. How did it make you feel? Chances are, it lifted your spirits. It may have even turned a rough day into a good one. We all crave encouragement and want to feel seen and valued by others.
But offering a compliment—especially to someone we don’t know well—doesn’t always come naturally. I’ll be honest: it’s not always easy for me either. It’s more comfortable to express kindness to close friends or family members. Reaching out to encourage a stranger or casual acquaintance can feel awkward. Yet, even a small word of encouragement can have a powerful impact—not only on someone’s day, but on their deeper sense of worth and spiritual well-being.
This is, in essence, what the Apostle Paul is urging in Romans 12:10-11. While it may be easier to show love and appreciation within our families or inner circles, Paul challenges us to extend that same love to everyone. As Scripture tells us, we are all made in the image of God. Honoring others, then, is part of how we honor the Lord.
So, let’s not hold back. Let’s be bold in offering sincere compliments—even to those we don’t know. Let us be enthusiastic and genuine in our encouragement to all of God’s children. Let us be on fire in the Spirt as we serve the Lord together!
by Manny Estevez
For Pondering and Prayer
Do you find it easy or difficult to compliment or encourage people you don’t know well? If you have ever randomly complimented a person you don’t know at all, how did you feel after you gave the compliment to that person? Did seeing them smile also give you a sense of joy?
Prayer: Most gracious and loving God, thank you for the power of kind words. Help us to notice all of your children and speak encouragement, even when it feels uncomfortable. Give us the courage to love like you love. Give us a joyful heart today so we can help lift up those who need some encouragement today. In the holy and loving name of Jesus we pray. Amen.
P.S. – Thank you to my wife Andrea for helping me overcome my writers block and sparking some ideas for me to write about in this devotion!
