The Name on the Thank-You Card
Written for Bible Journey Plan. Our editorial standards.
Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;
Romans 12:9-10 KJV
This is an original fictional illustration, not a historical report or an added Bible event.
The class made a thank-you card after the school fair. Everyone remembered the adults who ran the games. Only Hannah remembered Mr. Ellis, who had arrived early to set up tables and stayed late to put them away.
She added his name to the list and asked the teacher for another card. A few classmates helped write it. Mr. Ellis smiled when they gave it to him, especially when he saw that they had noticed the work behind the games.
Paul teaches believers to show sincere love and give honor. That includes people whose work is easy to miss. You do not have to wait for a ceremony to thank someone. Notice who makes an ordinary day possible. A sincere word can honor the person who cleans, carries, repairs, or prepares without ever standing at the front of the room.
Bring the truth into your day
It is possible to act friendly when someone is present and speak cruelly when that person leaves. Paul's instruction rules out that divided kind of affection. Let your kindness be honest. Honour another person's good work without feeling that praise must always return to you. Love also refuses evil, so sincere care does not require joining a wrong plan. You can be warm toward a person and clear about what is right.
Keep the passage in context
Paul describes conduct that follows God's mercies. Love is to be sincere, joined to a rejection of evil and a willing honor toward other believers.
Read further: Romans 12 in the King James Bible.