Philippians 2:3-4 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.
Romans 14:19. So then, let us pursue [with enthusiasm] the things which make for peace and the building up of one another [things which lead to spiritual growth].
Psalm 34:14 Turn away from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.
Romans 12:18 If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone.
Romans 15:1 We who are strong ought to bear with the shortcomings of the weak and not to please ourselves.
Philippians 2:21 For all the others look after their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ.
But every man also on the things of others – It is the duty of every man to do this. No one is at liberty to live for himself or to disregard the wants of others. The object of this rule is to break up the narrow spirit of selfishness, and to produce a benevolent regard for the happiness of others. In respect to the rule we may observe. (Barnes)
Christian duties; to like-mindedness and lowly-mindedness, according to the example of the Lord Jesus. Kindness is the law of Christ’s kingdom, the lesson of his school, the livery of his family. Several motives to brotherly love are mentioned. If you expect or experience the benefit of God’s compassions to yourselves, be compassionate one to another. It is the joy of ministers to see people like-minded. Christ came to humble us, let there not be among us a spirit of pride. We must be severe upon our own faults, and quick in observing our own defects, but ready to make favourable allowances for others. We must kindly care for others, but not be busy-bodies in other men’s matters. Neither inward nor outward peace can be enjoyed, without lowliness of mind. (Henry)
Let each esteem other better than themselves; not as to the things of the world, in respect of which one man may be a better man than another, and he must know and think himself so; nor with respect to the endowments of the mind, and acquired abilities, which one man may have above another; and the difference being so great in some, it must be easily discerned, that one is more learned and knowing, in this or the other language, art, or science; but with regard to, grace, and to spiritual light, knowledge, and judgment: and where there is lowliness of mind, or true humility, a person will esteem himself in a state of grace, as the great apostle did, the chief of sinners, and less than the least of all saints; one in whom this grace reigns will pay a deference to the judgment of other saints, and will prefer their experience, light, and knowledge, to his own; and will readily give way, when he sees such that are of longer standing, of greater experience, and more solid judgment, as he has reason to think, than himself, are on the other side of the question; and so peace, love, and unity, are preserved. (Gill)
It is easy to see kindness and humbleness because it is so far removed from our society and culture. Pride, arrogance, boastfulness, greed, hate, anger, self-worth, self-reliance, self-importance, self-pleasing, and selfishness rule the hearts of this world and far too often creeps into our lives as a “normal” response to something in our lives. We are bombarded with these worldly conditions of the heart of man everywhere we turn. I recently read an article about the rudest cities in the US. This was a secular article and what I found interesting was that even in the secular world these actions of people are viewed as a negative to society.
We in and of ourselves have no ability to overcome our sinfulness and the natural outpouring of unholiness, unrighteousness, and that which honors or glorifies Jesus Christ. Left to ourselves this is our lot in life and how we would express our thoughts and actions.
Praise be to God. He reached out to us, to redeem us, forgive us, save us, give us a new birth, fill us with His Holy Spirit, lead us, instruct us, to give us hope, joy, happiness, kindness, peace, grace, mercy, love, and eternal life. In light of this, we surely should be humble, kind, generous, joyful, and thankful. It is then our hearts and minds will discern every thought, word, and action allowing us to confess it, repent of it, and learn to take every thought captive before our sinful nature rears its ugly head.
