IBS-Brotherly Love

Aug 23, 2011

Romans 12:10

"Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another;"

It's hard to prefer another's opinion over your own. This especially is difficult in the extreme individualism society of the US. Everyone says to do what you want to do, you have the right to your own opinion. But when that view puts you above others, this is where God draws the line. We are to give preference to one another, putting them and their views above our own. Not to sacrifice what you know is right, but merely to make sure your selfishness isn't running the show. In this way too, brotherly love comes into play. We should love one another with brotherly love. Siblings. As believers we are all siblings in Christ, and should show affection for one another we should not be quick to put one another down, or put ourselves above one another. This is hard to do when we haven't all grown up in the same household, and have opposing opinions on various things. But just like siblings who argue in their everyday lives, we all have a higher authority with which to look to when we can't see past our own noses. He's ultimately in control, so despite our opinions, feelings, pride, we can look up to Him for a rational and just compromise to the problem. 

I need to not immediately put myself, my thoughts, my opinions, my wants, my needs, above others. Taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ, I want to be able to esteem others better than myself, and not act selfishly when my initial reaction is disagreement. I want to look to Christ, and the word to see what my Father says about each situation without handling it pridefully on my own.