Day 10 — Outdo One Another

“Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Outdo yourselves in honoring one another.”

— Romans 12:10 (BSB)

Kids love competitions. Who can run the fastest? Who can eat the most pancakes? Who can get the highest score? Who can hold their breath the longest?

Paul gives us a competition too. But it’s a surprising one: “Outdo yourselves in honoring one another.”

In other words, have a contest to see who can show the most respect and kindness to others! Try to beat everyone at being generous, encouraging and thoughtful. Imagine a group of friends where everyone is trying to out-kind each other. That would be an amazing group to be part of!

Paul also says, “Be devoted to one another in brotherly love.” Devoted means loyal and committed. It’s the kind of love family members have for each other. Paul is saying Christians should love each other like a family.

Here are some ways to “outdo” others in honor:

• Be the first to say hello to someone new.
• Give compliments freely and mean them.
• Let someone else have the best seat, the first turn or the biggest piece.
• Notice when someone is left out, and include them.
• Remember people’s birthdays and important days.
• Celebrate other people’s successes, even when you wish they were yours.

Jesus gave us a simple rule that sums it all up: “Do to others as you would have them do to you” (Luke 6:31). People call this the Golden Rule. Before you speak or act, ask yourself: How would I want to be treated if I were them?

Sometimes we wait for other people to be nice to us before we’re nice to them. But Jesus doesn’t ask us to wait. He asks us to go first. Be the friend you wish you had. Start the kindness. You might be surprised how quickly it spreads.

Think about it: What’s one way someone has “honored” you that made you feel really cared for? How could you do that for someone else?

Try this: Have a secret “honor contest” today. See how many people you can honor, encourage or put first before bedtime. Keep track in your notebook!

Dear God, help me be devoted to others with brotherly love. Help me go first in showing kindness and honor, instead of waiting for others. Help me treat others the way I would want to be treated. In Jesus’ name, Amen.