Put Others First
As we wrap up our series on His Kind of Love, I want to share with you the story of two
friends of mine.
I have one acquaintance that every conversation is about her. Regardless of who is talking or sharing, she always has a better story of that situation in her own life. I recently sat through a meal with this acquaintance and a group of others. The entire hour was spent with her talking about herself. Any time anyone else tried to share she turned their story back to herself.
Do you know anyone like that?
But, I have another friend that is the complete opposite to this acquaintance. She shows me what putting others first means and how to show HIS Kind of Love.
This dear friend is so unselfish that every time we talk the first thing she ask is “How are you?” or “What’s new?”
You know how some people ask this and don’t mean it? Well, my friend isn’t that way. You can hear the genuine interest in her voice.
Actually, she is so giving that when asking about her or her family she would turn the conversation back on me for a long time. It took over a year of asking how she was and about her life to finally receive a reply. She had to hear the genuine concern and interest in my voice and heart to know that I truly cared.
Thankfully now we both share with one another. However, even given health and life issues that arise my dear friend still does not enjoy talking about herself more than is absolutely necessary.
This friend reminds me of what Paul and Timothy wrote to the Philippians. They said “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.” {Philippians 2:3-4}
My friend lives out this verse. She genuinely loves and cares for others, putting them above herself and her needs.
I’ll be honest, I do not have the gift of hospitality, but my friend does. However, even without the gift of hospitality, we can all learn a lesson from my friend. To put others first.
Do you put others first or make it all about yourself? How do you put others first?