Preferring God's Way

Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another. Romans 12:10 (KJV)

I am discovering the many layers of Romans 12:10. For the past three or four days I have been meditating on the phrase ‘preferring one another.’ It has not only affected my thinking but my actions as well in regards to people. There are two aspects God wants me to see and apply.

The first aspect is that of deferring to others. Submitting to, regarding, and giving way to another person’s wishes, needs, and desires over my own. Accidents on the road happen when two vehicles simultaneously possess the same territory. If one vehicle does not give way they collide. Hence, injuries and damage will be the result. Preferring one another simply means I put the other person’s needs above my own. I look for what will convenience them, what will minister to them, what will encourage them.

The practical ways to carry this out each day are innumerable. It means letting others go first whether in traffic or in a line. It means putting away what I get out, picking up what I drop, and closing what I open. It can even mean putting away, picking up, and closing what another has gotten out, dropped, or opened. It means stopping what I am doing to be attentive to a person who needs to talk or needs my help. All day long I have a choice to do what I want to do or do what another person needs me to do for them. As God opens my eyes to the opportunities to flesh out this phrase it can bring variety, enjoyment, and even laughter to my day.

The second aspect was a surprise to me. Preferring also means to lead the way for others. In other words, make the first move! Whether it comes to showing kindness, initiating reconciliation, demonstrating concern, or acting out of love let me take the first step! The rewards are rich!

These are tall orders from a heavenly Father who has already shown me how it is done. While it is impossible for me to generate this behavior on my own, I know I can seek the desire, will, and ability from Him. For no command is ever given without His assistance to see it through to completion.

Father, my nature is such that I fight against the thought of preferring others. Help me to be more like You! Amen.