“Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit [through factional motives, or strife], but with [an attitude of] humility [being neither arrogant nor self-righteous], regard others as more important than yourselves.” —Philippians 2:3 (AMP)
When I see believers treat one another with disdain, hatred, and wickedness, I cannot help but ask, “Where is their love for their neighbour?” Where is the love of Christ shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit? God’s Word makes it abundantly clear how He expects us to treat our neighbour. He gives us a simple standard: treat others exactly as we treat ourselves. God knows how much we love ourselves and how fiercely we naturally protect ourselves from harm.
Because we care for our own well-being, God instructs us to extend that same love and care to our neighbour. We must not do to others what we would never want done to ourselves. Yet, you still find Christians who do the exact opposite, failing to show any genuine love or compassion. They treat their neighbours in ways they would absolutely despise if the roles were reversed.
So, the question I am asking you today is this: If you cannot take mistreatment, why should anyone else have to take it from you? Why do you think it is acceptable to do things to others that you would never want done to yourself? Does it not occur to you that they feel the exact same pain you would feel if the situation were reversed? It is amazing how deeply we love ourselves, often going to great lengths to protect our own interests.
Despite this, you still see people trying to take advantage of a friend, a sister, a neighbour, or a colleague. Some will stop at nothing to steal from their business partners. Society has adopted an “every man for himself” mentality, where people only consider what pleases or hurts them. This selfish mindset is exactly what happened between Cain and Abel. Cain’s selfishness led him to kill his own brother, a stigma he carried forever.
Whenever the story of Cain is mentioned, he is remembered as a murderer (Genesis 4:1-16). He never loved his brother the way he loved himself, letting hatred fester until he committed the ultimate crime. But this should not be your story. Do not be like Cain. Instead of thinking selfishly about your own needs, love your brother just as you love yourself. God bless you.
Today’s Rhema
Don’t love selfishly; love your brother without thinking only of yourself!
Prayer
Father, I thank You because You are love, and I am created in Your image. I love You, and I can love everyone around me just as I love myself. I declare that my love for my brother is not selfish or conceited, but a true expression of who You are and who You want me to be. Amen!
