TSP DAILY DEVOTIONAL
LOVE’S CODE- HONOUR
10th February 2020
Dr Phil Ransom-Bello
KEY SCRIPTURE/MEMORY VERSE: 1 Timothy 5:17(NIV)
Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine.
When we look back at our conversations on Love, we will see that one of the primary markers of love is the characteristic of giving, of putting the other person before you and not promoting self or what you want.
In Romans 12:10, scripture tells us to be devoted and affectionate to one another in love, in honour, preferring one another.
So we can infer that honour is a fruit of love. Now, what does it mean to honour a person? It means to hold in high regards and esteem. Take a look at how the love relationship between Jesus and God the father played out while He was here. Jesus always deferred to the Father, despite the fact that He was also God.
Wherever you find yourself in the body of Christ, the love of Christ in you should always compel you to honour your leaders. You may not like the way they look or teach but they are the ones God has placed to teach you His word and doctrines. I don’t support people who don’t honour their leaders. I think it’s a dangerous path to tread.
Galatians 6:6 (AMP) says, “The one who is taught the word [of God] is to share all good things with his teacher [contributing to his spiritual and material support].”
If you are taught God’s word by your pastor or teacher, ministering to them spiritually through prayers and physically through supplying their material needs is honourable and reflective of the love nature, especially when they didn’t cajol or ask. From giving them cash/kind gifts, reaching out via phone call or texts to encourage them, genuinely caring about their welfare etc., there are a number of ways to express that you hold them in high esteem.
And this applies to our spouses too.
Here’s a thought- as we draw close to that time for the year where everyone shares love gifts, how about you plan to show your leaders honour?
Send them an encouraging note, shower them with love and gifts. Let them feel your love. Through them, you’ve heard words that affirmed your identity in Christ, that encouraged you in difficult times, that changed your mindset about God and many more.
They are truly deserving of love and honour.
Just as we’ve learnt this past week, Love is our nature because we are born of God. Therefore, choosing to honour our leaders is the natural for the believer.
Let love and honour for your leadership be a lifestyle.
REFLECTION
When last did I express love and honour to my pastor and leaders?
DECLARATION
-I’m a love being
-I am enabled to love my leaders
-I am enabled to love my pastors
-I love to honour my leaders
-Love dwells in me.
-Today, testimonies abound for me because the Gospel works.
-I am blessed.
HEARING BY THE WORD
(Recommended Listening)
Listen to LOVE ~ The Series by The StandPoint Church on #SoundCloud
