Introductory Thoughts
People in the world are generally quite self-centered. For this reason, it is hard to imagine what it would be like to find a people who esteemed others “better than themselves” (Philippians 2:3), but this is the very thing that God expects from Christians. Although men are not to be respecters of persons in judgment, they are to prefer and esteem others above themselves, especially when it comes to fellow believers. The Bible says that “As we have . . . opportunity,” believers are to “do good unto all men,” but “especially unto them who are of the household of faith” (Galatians 6:10). This failure on the part of the Church is a great indicator of the last days. Even saved people are often “lovers of their own selves” (2 Timothy 3:2) instead of preferring “one another” (Romans 12:10).
Devotional Thoughts
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(For children): Jesus went about doing good (Acts 10:38). He is our example in humility and service (Matthew 20:28; Luke 22:26-27; John 13:4-5; 12-15). We need to be more like Him (Philippians 2:5, 7; Ephesians 5:21; Galatians 5:13c; 1 Peter 5:5).
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(For everyone): Do you give preference to your brothers and sisters in Christ above yourself? Do you have respect unto them? Are you doing good to them who are of the household of faith?
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How can you demonstrate respect for your brethren in Christ? What kind of things could you do for them to show preference above yourself? How often do you do those things?
Prayer Thoughts
- Ask God to give you a heart for others.
- Thank the Lord for the brotherly love that still exists.
Song
BLEST BE THE TIE THAT BINDS
