Romans Part 6: RESPONSESample

Pride Destroys Unity

As I read Romans 12:16, I looked up three translations. I started with KJV - “Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.” NIV - “Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position.[a] Do not be conceited.” And lastly, AMP - “Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty [conceited, self-important, exclusive], but associate with humble people [those with a realistic self-view]. Do not overestimate yourself.”

Why do you think there is so much disharmony, arguing, and disagreement even within the Christian Church?

I believe there are many reasons, but pride is at the top of the list. If we start today's discussion with the last part of verse 16, I think that we see Paul's focus for the verse. "Never be wise in your own sight." Thirteen verses before this in Romans 12:3, Paul tells this same audience to not think of themselves more highly than they ought to. Why the repetitive message? Paul tells them twice in a short span because this is important! We clearly have an issue with how we see and think of ourselves. {This was out of one of my devotional books}.

So, the conclusion that I draw from this is, that Paul is telling us to humble ourselves like Christ did and be willing to repent DAILY of our sinful nature and take on the humbleness of loving like JESUS daily.

In Luke 14:11, it says, “ For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

All I can think of and want to do is to PRAISE GOD for HIS MERCY AND GRACE.

-Brad Schnoor