The Text verse is Romans 12:10. We studied most of it earlier in the Series. But one phrase (“in honour”) yet needs to be developed. I’m actually calling it the “honouring one another” clause.

“In honour preferring one another.” Romans 12:10, and we’ve already defined the participle “preferring.” It means “to let the other person go first.” When viewed objectively, anyway.

But “proegeomai” can also carry the idea of “you going first,” not in a selfish sense, of course. Of “you going first” in doing right. In setting an example! One Bible teacher translates the verb “to outdo” the others!

But wait a minute.

“Outdoing” him or her … in what area?

How?

In the area of “honour!”

Romans 12:10 again, its second half … “in honour preferring one another.”

The noun “honour” is “time” in Greek, and is pronounced “tee-may.”

It means “an evaluation,” a declaration of what a person or thing is “worth” to you!

The emphasis here is that our respect for the brethren should be on the “high” end of the scales! Let them be “heavy” on your “values chart!”

Treat them with dignity, not with “frivolity, lightness” and certainly not with “disdain.”

I am to so evaluate my friends in Christ!

As an example, look at Galatians 6:10. “As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, ESPECIALLY unto them who are of the household of faith.”

Be good to everyone.

But, if for some reason a choice must be made … sharing with either the sinner or the saint … then undoubtedly (Paul tells us) choose the Brother in Christ!

That’s “in honour preferring one another!”

Never “belittle” one another!

After all, that “fellow follower” in Christ … he or she is the very habiting place for the Holy Spirit of God, in this age of Grace anyway.

Thus honor him with that astounding fact in mind!

Wow!

— Dr. Mike Bagwell