I look down on those who are different than me. In Romans 12:14-21, Paul lists ways we can combat pride. This passage revealed many root sins in my heart. Reading down the list, I found I fail in all areas.
I have too much pride to associate with the lowly. I like talking to people who look and act like me. People have different (not better) looks and personalities.
I have too much pride to never be wise in my own sight. I think I know more and I think I know best. People have different (not better) amounts of wisdom.
I have too much pride to celebrate with others over their victory or mourn with them over their mistakes. People make different (not better) mistakes.
I have too much pride to associate with the lowly. I like talking to people who look and act like me. People have different (not better) looks and personalities.
I have too much pride to never be wise in my own sight. I think I know more and I think I know best. People have different (not better) amounts of wisdom.
I have too much pride to celebrate with others over their victory or mourn with them over their mistakes. People make different (not better) mistakes.
"Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it[b] to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." Romans 12:14-21
The fight against partiality is summarized in verse 16, Mind not high things. Don't be haughty. Interact with the poor, the ugly, the sick, the quirky, the misfits, the outcasts, and the socially awkward. Because of Jesus, we are equal. You are no better than the girl you sit next to in class who smells a little off. You are no better than the trash-man who collects your garbage every week. You are no better than the new lady at your Bible Study who won't stop talking. Mind not high things. Get your nose out of the air so you can look your neighbor in the eye.
"True love values grace in rags AND riches." Henry
If we want to live out God's truth, it comes down to obeying one command: Love. Love is selfless, patient, and pure. If we truly love, we obey God's entire law at the same time. Loving our neighbor goes beyond family and friends. Loving those close to us is almost like loving ourselves, and we all have no problem doing that. So love those who are hardest to like.
"No one can compass the ends of life by drawing a little line around himself upon the ground. No man can fulfill his calling as a Christian by seeking the welfare of his wife and family only, for these are only a sort of greater self." Spurgeon
1 way we can keep from looking down:
♥︎ Memorize Romans 12:14-21 to remind you to bless those who persecute you, live in harmony with others, associate with the lowly, rejoice and weep with others, and never be wise in your own sight.
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The Girl Next Door
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