This exhortation has been on my heart and mind quite a bit lately. It is a constant battle to regard others first and to put their cares and needs above our own - and yet it is the call of every believer not only to show preference to one another, but to do so with the intent to honor others.
How often do we desire to be recognized, to be applauded, to have some kind of acknowledgment? How easily do we find our feelings hurt because we think we should be noticed or served? And yet the truth is, we should be going out of our way to acknowledge, encourage and honor others. This is the very thrust behind the phrase “give preference” – it is a word that carries the idea of rushing forward to do something for another. Even the marginal reading of the NASB reads, “outdo one another in showing honor.” If you have ever rushed to a door in order to open it for someone you have exercised giving preference. When you allow someone to go before you in a line, you are exercising preference. And when you daily consider how to put the cares and needs of your brothers and sisters in Christ, you are giving preference. Of course this means you know of the cares and needs of those around you.
As you go about your week, who might you do something for? Consider giving preference to someone at work, at school, at home and even at church. You might begin with a simple phone call or email, asking someone about their own week and from this listen for opportunities to rush forward to do something special for that person. Let us not be slow in doing good to one another for the glory of God.
SDG –
Ed
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