“Love each other, be deep-spirited friends. Don’t push your way to the front; don’t sweet-talk your way to the top.” (Philippians 2:4 MSG)
You can learn more about individuals while observing how they treat others than you can by their external packaging. Especially notice how they treat those who have less power when they think no one is watching. Do they walk all over people thoughtlessly? Or, are they considerate and kind?
If someone is condescending to their spouse and children, most likely they will continue the pattern with their coworkers and friends, too. Most of us know to stay away from those who trample on others. No one wants to be a doormat. However, there is a more insidious form of exploitation that I have observed. There are those who treat others like step stools so as to elevate their own status. These are the individuals who intentionally seek out people whom they deem inferior and subordinate in order to make themselves appear superior and dominant. They step on others to get to the top.
When you love one another, you are not obsessed with getting your own advantage. Deep-spirited friends do not treat each other like doormats or step stools. Instead, these relationships are marked by mutual respect and consideration. The practice of sincere love spills over into all our relationships, whether it be with a spouse, a friend, or a stranger. We find joy in being honorable, generous, and equitable--helping each other grow and bringing the best out of everyone.
“Love does not brag about one’s achievements nor inflate its own importance. Love does not traffic in shame and disrespect, nor selfishly seek its own honor. Love is not easily irritated or quick to take offense. Love joyfully celebrates honesty and finds no delight in what is wrong. Love is a safe place of shelter, for it never stops believing the best for others.” (1 Corinthians 13:4-7 TPT)
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