First in Affection

"In honour preferring one another." That part stings a little, doesn't it? Because it goes against instinct. Instinct wants to be seen first, recognized first, valued first.

But Paul describes a community where people compete to honor, not to be honored. Where each person tries to put the other one first. Imagine how different any relationship would be with that logic.

In marriage. In family. In friendship. At work. In church. Instead of "why didn't anyone notice me?" asking "who can I notice today?"

This isn't about erasing yourself. It isn't pretending your needs don't exist. It's having a heart big enough to make room for someone else first, trusting that God takes care of your needs.

Paul opens this verse with "be kindly affectioned" — the Greek word here speaks of family affection, of siblings who genuinely love one another. Not out of obligation, but because they care.

Do you have someone like that close to you? Someone you can actively honor today, with a word, a gesture, a sincere acknowledgment?