Considering Others

And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works.

Hebrews 10:24 (NKJV)

When I was a child, I often saw people in my neighborhood taking care of one another. When a family was going through difficulties, the neighbors would comfort them and help them meet some of their needs. If there was a death in a family, the children would go to other families' homes to give the adults the time and space they needed to grieve. It was a practice I didn't understand at the time, but one I appreciated.

As an adult, in a world where everything is different, where everyone is left to fend for themselves and must manage their own problems, I finally understood why, in my childhood, no family suffered from hunger or economic hardship. Everyone cared about each other's problems. They may not have known this particular verse, but their actions were consistent with its teaching. Their bond and closeness allowed them to show love for one another and perform good deeds for each other.

We cannot do good around us without considering the situation of others and putting ourselves in their shoes. This is the first step toward true love: considering the other person's situation. By doing so, your heart will show compassion, a fruit of love. Jesus asked us to love others as He loved us, which means we must always take care of one another. Good deeds always stem from the attention we pay to others. So, when you think about your own problems, also think about the problems of others so that you can perform a good deed for them.

May the grace and peace of God be with you all.