21 Days to Sweeter FriendshipsSample

Genuine Affection

Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Romans 12:10, ESV

Affection’s definition is a feeling of fondness for others. To be affectionate is caring, devoted, kind, tender, and gracious. The Bible instructs us to love one another with brotherly affection. The Passion Translation puts it this way, “Be devoted to tenderly loving your fellow believers as members of one family.”

Additionally, we are to outdo each other by showing honor. We show esteem, dignity, attention, tribute, and praise when we show honor. To honor someone is to make them feel valued and special. As we show honor, we lift others.

What does this look like in our current day? What are some ways we can show affection and honor to the people in our lives?

• Offer to pray for a friend and do it.
• Ask someone how they are doing and give them the gift of real listening.
• Give a friend a gift or a flower bouquet.
• Invite someone for coffee or lunch.
• Ask someone to go with you to church.
• Host a game night, a football party, or a bonfire and invite guests.
• Send a text or email to let someone know you are thinking of them.

Honor and affection don’t have to be grandiose or time-consuming, but intentionality is necessary. Or these things will never happen!

Prayer – Lord, will You give me a greater awareness of others’ needs, hurts, and concerns? I want to be more affectionate, kind, and honoring with my actions, but I will need Your help to do so.

Reflect - Make a list of five people you will show affection and honor to today. Beside each name, list one way you can do this. For example, you may send five kind text messages – one to each person. Pray over these actions. Then, do them! Follow through. You will not only bless someone else, but you will also receive a blessing for your kindness. There is great joy in giving to others.