Romans 12:16
“Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but enjoy the company of the lowly. Do not be conceited.”
Paul doesn’t ask us to hope for harmony, he commands it. And the biggest threat to that harmony is pride, the “I’m above that person kind of pride.” We should not have a pull to climb toward people who can raise our status.
Paul flips that instinct. Instead of reaching for the important, he tells us to welcome those the world considers unimportant.
He doesn’t say “tolerate them.” He says enjoy their company. Listen to that again, “Enjoy their company.” That doesn’t mean to look for a polite way to get away from them, but enjoy them.
This is exactly how Jesus lived. He sat at tables with people the world had written off, and he actually enjoyed being there.
If we want real harmony, it starts here. Not admiring the overlooked from far away, but pulling up a chair and staying a while.
I’m Lonnie Davis and these are thoughts worth thinking.
Prayer: Lord, break my pride. Teach me to enjoy the people the world overlooks.