Continuing in Philippians 2

 

Philippians 2:4

Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.

(This verse has always been important to me, although I know I haven't lived it perfectly. In addition, recently an older Christian lady told me of some counsel she had given someone. The person she was talking to was burning themselves out doing things for other. My friend pointed out that while they are to look to the interests of others, this verse does not say that we are to neglect our own interests. As with all things there is to be a balance (Philippians 4:5). So many, it seems to me, have a philosophy that says they should avoid looking to the interests of others because they couldn't possibly have enough time to do that or it would be too burdensome or they have too many of their own interests to look after. They seem to conclude that looking to the interests of others is not reasonable before they have even looked. I must be careful not to become judgmental in these things. As the verses below point out, I have a lot of areas that I need to consider when it comes to my conduct toward and thoughts about others.)

 

(TSK: Matthew 18:6; Romans 12:15; 14:19-22 15:1 1 Corinthians 8:9-13; 10:24,32,33 12:22-26

1 Corinthians 13:4,5; 2 Corinthians 6:3; 11:29 James 2:8)

 

Matthew 18:6

but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea. 

 

Romans 12:15

Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. 

 

Romans 14:19-22

So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding. 20 Do not, for the sake of food, destroy the work of God. Everything is indeed clean, but it is wrong for anyone to make another stumble by what he eats. 21 It is good not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything that causes your brother to stumble. 22 The faith that you have, keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the one who has no reason to pass judgment on himself for what he approves. 

 

Romans 15:1

We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. 

 

1 Corinthians 8:9-13

But take care that this right of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak. 10 For if anyone sees you who have knowledge eating in an idol's temple, will he not be encouraged, if his conscience is weak, to eat food offered to idols? 11 And so by your knowledge this weak person is destroyed, the brother for whom Christ died. 12 Thus, sinning against your brothers and wounding their conscience when it is weak, you sin against Christ. 13 Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble. 

 

1 Corinthians 10:24, 32, 33

Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor.

 

32 Give no offense to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God,

 

33 just as I try to please everyone in everything I do, not seeking my own advantage, but that of many, that they may be saved. 

 

1 Corinthians 12:22-26

On the contrary, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, 23 and on those parts of the body that we think less honorable we bestow the greater honor, and our unpresentable parts are treated with greater modesty, 24 which our more presentable parts do not require. But God has so composed the body, giving greater honor to the part that lacked it, 25 that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. 26 If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together. 

 

1 Corinthians 13:4-5

Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant 5 or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; 

 

2 Corinthians 6:3

We put no obstacle in anyone's way, so that no fault may be found with our ministry, 

 

2 Corinthians 11:29

Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is made to fall, and I am not indignant? 

 

James 2:8

If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, You shall love your neighbor as yourself, you are doing well.