“Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honour giving preference to one another.” Romans 12:10 NKJV

Have you ever noticed how quick we are to accuse someone else of some of the very things we excuse in ourselves? In so doing, we practice a double standard, requiring more from others than of ourselves. Jesus said, “Why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye?” (Matthew 7:3 NKJV). The double standard works like this: (1) When others are set in their ways, they’re obstinate – but you are firm and resolved. (2) When your neighbour doesn’t like your friend, she’s prejudiced – but when you don’t like her friend, you’re a good judge of character. (3) When others try to treat someone especially well, they are buttering them up – but when you do so, you’re being thoughtful. (4) When someone takes time to do things well, he’s lazy – but when you do so, you’re meticulous. (5) When someone spends a lot, they are reckless and undisciplined – but when you do the same thing, you’re generous. (6) When others pick flaws in things, they are critical – but when you do, you’re perceptive. (7) When a person is mild-mannered, you call him weak – but when you are, you’re gracious. (8) When a person dresses well, she’s extravagant – but when you do, you’re tastefully in style. (9) When someone says what they think, they’re spiteful – but when you do, you’re being honest. (10) When others take risks, they’re foolhardy – but when you do, you’re brave. Paul wrote, “Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honour giving preference to one another.” So the word for you today is this: let us honour one another.

The Word for You Today is authored by Bob and Debby Gass and published under licence from Celebration Enterprises, Inc. Copyright © 2024