Putting Others First
“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” Romans 12:10
This verse in Romans 12 comes as one of the most simple, yet profound messages on the topic of loving others. We love those around us by our actions, not just our words. We can love others the way that Christ does by striving to put others first.
As Christians, we are given an important role that shows others about Christ by the way that we live and the way that we treat people. We are members of the Body of Christ, and each of us has special gifts and talents that we can use to serve others.
Here, we are given the opportunity to do this by honoring and respecting them first. Being “devoted” means to be loyal and faithful. This means following through with our commitments, giving support no matter what, and being willing to give of ourselves without an expectation to receive in return.
This does not mean that we always have to say “yes” or we have to behave as a doormat. It means that we give of ourselves, looking for opportunities to love others and show them the love of Jesus.
In His life on Earth, Jesus was the ultimate example of loyalty and faithfulness. He was so loyal and so faithful that He gave His life for us. He let nothing get in the way of our seeing His love by His words and ultimately His actions.
So, how can our actions and words model this example to others?
First, we can accept the fact that we are no better than anyone else, and we are where we are only by the grace of God. By accepting the reality of our humanness and our depravity, we are more likely to love those around us because we see our own need for that kind of love.
Here, we can admit our God-given ability to respect others and give them the same kind of respect that we want. We can honor them above ourselves by just being nice, extending a helping hand, and connecting with them as a fellow human – not because they deserve it or earn it – just because.
Take away: Make a choice over the next week to extend honor and love to everyone you come across by waving or smiling to someone in the grocery store, letting someone in front of you in line, letting something go rather than fighting every battle and having to be right, or saying a simple “thank you” to your mom, dad, or sibling. It will actually serve you more than the other person.