Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own estimation. Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men.

Romans 12:14-17

Christians need each other. Simple as that.

The more you protest and tough it out and do for yourself, the less you reflect the plan of God for your life. The world will tell you “believe in yourself” and “be true to your heart” but that can lead to arrogance and greed, taking from others to satisfy one’s own desires. Far better is to be true to one another!

God takes that command so far that he says we must be our true, good selves to even our enemies, blessing them and doing good for them. In this way, we support one another as a Church and we help those who need it. Even, or perhaps especially, when they don’t deserve our help.

“Do not be wise in your own estimation” doesn’t mean “assume you are stupid”; it means “rely on one another”. Other Christians are willing and eager to lend a hand. Let them.

Ethan Kirl

Originally Published July 29, 2021