Romans 12:10 Explained

"Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;" — Romans 12:10 (KJV)

Family language applied to a congregation, with a competition in it that runs the wrong way.

Read it in context: Romans 12 · The Book of Romans. Also gathered under verses about kindness.

Romans 12:10 in context

What does Romans 12:10 mean?

'Kindly affectioned' translates a rare compound built from the word for family affection — the warmth expected between siblings, which is not chosen and not always liked. 'Preferring one another' means going first in showing honour: the only rivalry sanctioned is over who recognises the other sooner. It is a command about initiative rather than about feeling, which makes it possible to obey on a bad day.

What is the context of Romans 12:10?

Part of the rapid list of instructions that follows Paul's turn from doctrine to practice in Romans 12. The church in Rome was a mix of Jewish and gentile believers with real tension between them, which is what these short commands are for.

How do I pray Romans 12:10?

Pick one person in your church or family you find difficult and honour them first this week — before they earn it and without waiting to feel it. The verse defines the race and it is winnable by moving early, which is the only part of it under your control.

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