In the Same Circle

Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion.

Romans 12:16 (NKJV)

Living with others is not always easy, especially when their attitude bothers us or their viewpoints differ radically from our own. Sometimes, we can barely tolerate their presence. This is a reality we face every day. Yet, this does not prevent us from loving them with all our hearts and always being there for them when they need us. This is precisely what Paul teaches us. We must rise above our differences and the things that divide us in order to live in perfect harmony.

Being different from someone does not make you superior to them. Jesus lived with His disciples for three years. He certainly knew who He was dealing with long before He chose them. Each came from a different background and had their own flaws and weaknesses; yet, He brought them together into the same circle and never placed Himself above them. As we see and hear Him speak to them through the pages of the Bible, we sense that He humbled Himself even lower than they were in order to instruct them and help them grow in faith. He never spoke of Himself as God for the sake of self-glorification.

This is an example that you and I should follow: the example of Christ. Even though we differ in many ways in our daily lives, this must not prevent us from sharing the same mindset as Jesus Christ. This mindset involves uniting in faith, loving one another despite our differences, and supporting and encouraging each other in times of need—always with love. Even if you feel superior to your brother or sister, in Jesus Christ, we are all in the same circle and are equals, for the cross shows no favoritism.

May the grace and peace of God be with you.