Self-Centered
Do you know someone who is self-centered?
Jesus was not self-centered. Consider Philippians 2: 5-8,
In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!”
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” (John 13:34)
When we love on another the first step in showing love is to prefer one another. Romans 12:10 says, “In honor give preference to one another.”
If I am not willing to show you respect, if I am not willing to prefer you, then I may not be willing to support you or serve you.
Preferring a person enables a person to minister to another person. What are ways we can learn to prefer one another? Discover a person’s needs, desires, and preferences. Focus on other’s needs ahead of yours.
Each of you should look not only to your own interests but also to the interests of others.” (Philippians 2:4)
My grandmother was a selfless woman. She had a hard life yet she was not bitter. Her love for her family was infectious. She taught me to love the Lord, love your family, tithe your money, and never learn how to clean catfish. I learned how to cook, sew, and pray from my Grandma. She preferred others ahead of herself. I am who I am today because of her selfless love for me.
What are some practical ways to prefer one another?
8 Comments
Jenn
February 19, 2015 at 3:57 amI just started reading Love Does by Bob Goff, and I think one way to prefer one another is to simply be all there with the people who you are physically present with.
This was a great post to start my day with.
Susan Shipe
February 19, 2015 at 7:28 amAs a wife, mother, grandmother I have opportunity to practice every day!!!
Christine Leeb
February 19, 2015 at 2:25 pmOh I love living life with selfless giving. I love following the example that Jesus set of loving others the way that He loved us. I haven’t always been like this as I lived years of being selfish and unforgiving and judgmental and stubborn. Age, wisdom and the patience of our good God showed me the way. Now, when you have Jesus in your heart, it’s so easy to give…forgive…care…listen…share…trust and love!
Blessings-
Christine
blessingsrockwell@gmail.com
February 19, 2015 at 3:46 pmDear Christine, I love to give and prefer another. I had this modeled for me most of my life. Thank you Blessings.
Laura
February 21, 2015 at 2:41 amMy mother modeled this so well and as my walk with the Lord has grown I understand how she did it now. God has given me a heart for teens and I love to get to know what matters to them. Thanks for such a great reminder to put others first.
blessingsrockwell@gmail.com
February 21, 2015 at 6:03 pmDear Laura, My mother modeled this for me also. Blessings Diana
susan
February 21, 2015 at 6:07 amI can do this by supporting my niece in her cake decorating business even though I don’t eat gluten or sugar. (I gave the cake away as a gift.)
I can do this by watching a movie with my 7 year old godson instead of spending time with the adults.
I can do this by attending a teen friend’s baseball games instead of going home after work and relaxing with a book.
Thanks for reminding me to be ore diligent in “preferring” others.
blessingsrockwell@gmail.com
February 21, 2015 at 6:04 pmDear Susan, I love how you applied this to prefer one another. Thank you for sharing. Blessings Diana