Esteeming one another and reflecting Christ's love involves kindness, humility, service, patience, forgiveness, and genuine compassion daily.
In the Christian faith, there is an undeniable call to honor and value those around us, even when it’s difficult. One powerful Scripture that reflects this is found in Ephesians 5:2, which encourages believers to walk in love and esteem one another just as Christ loved us. To “esteem” someone is to hold them in high regard, to show them respect, and to see their worth. It means choosing to value others not for what they can do for us, but because they are precious in God's eyes. This teaching challenges us to demonstrate love and honor consistently, even in a world where disagreements and differences are common.
The concept of esteeming others may not be as familiar in modern society, but it is essential in the Christian walk. It speaks to our ability to look beyond flaws and shortcomings and see the inherent value in people. When we reflect on how Christ loved us, it becomes clear that esteeming others goes hand-in-hand with the example set by Jesus. He did not choose to love us because we were perfect, but because He saw us as worthy of His sacrifice. He gave His life for us, not because we were always honorable or deserving, but because we were created in God’s image and loved unconditionally. This unconditional love should flow from us to others, influencing the way we treat them and the way we speak to them.
It is not always easy to esteem others, especially when they don’t share our values or behave in ways we think are appropriate. However, the Bible teaches us that our actions, words, and attitudes toward others should always reflect the love of Christ. When we look at others through God’s eyes, we are called to honor them, to be gentle and patient with them, and to see their value. This doesn’t mean ignoring harmful behaviors, but it does mean that we treat others with respect and dignity, knowing that each person is valuable to God. The more we practice esteeming one another, the more we will see the good in others and be able to demonstrate love in all circumstances.
When we look to the Scriptures, we find many teachings about the importance of showing love and respect to others. In 1 Peter 2:17, we are encouraged to “honour all men,” and in Romans 12:10, we are called to “be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another.” These verses emphasize the importance of showing respect and valuing others, even when it’s difficult. In Philippians 2:3-4, Paul further elaborates, saying, “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.” This mindset shifts the focus from self-interest to selflessness, placing value on others above ourselves.
If we look closely, we can see how esteeming one another is a part of building strong, healthy relationships. Whether in marriage, family, friendships, or church communities, when we honor and value each other, we create an environment of trust and mutual respect. In contrast, when we fail to esteem others, we breed division, misunderstanding, and conflict. Every interaction, whether small or significant, is an opportunity to sow seeds of kindness, respect, and love. The more we practice esteeming others, the more we reflect Christ’s love and the more we grow in our faith.
In life, we often encounter individuals who may not seem easy to esteem. They may act in ways that frustrate or even hurt us. But it’s important to remember that God’s love for them is just as deep as His love for us. When we choose to esteem someone, we are not condoning their actions, but we are choosing to love them with the same compassion that Christ shows us daily. The Apostle Paul wrote in Romans 5:8, “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Christ’s love is not contingent on our behavior or worthiness, but is freely given. In the same way, we are called to esteem others, even when they are hard to love.
There is also a principle in Scripture that what we sow, we will reap. In Galatians 6:7, the Bible reminds us, “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” If we sow seeds of respect and honor, we will reap the benefits of healthy, strong relationships. Esteeming others leads to blessings, not only in our relationships with others, but also in our relationship with God. By choosing to walk in love and esteem others, we become more like Christ and experience the joy and peace that comes with reflecting His nature.
As we look at the life of Jesus, we see how He esteemed people from all walks of life. He didn’t just spend time with those who were easy to love, but He reached out to the outcasts, the sinners, and the brokenhearted. Jesus valued everyone, showing them love and kindness. In John 13:34-35, He gives us a new commandment: “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” Esteeming others and showing them love is a clear reflection of our relationship with Christ.
In our daily lives, we are faced with countless opportunities to esteem others. Whether it’s speaking a kind word, offering a helping hand, or simply listening attentively, every action we take toward others has the potential to sow seeds of love. These small acts of kindness and respect are powerful and significant in God’s eyes. It’s not about grand gestures but about the daily, consistent choice to honor others and treat them with the same dignity and respect that we desire for ourselves. The more we practice esteeming one another, the more we become instruments of God’s love in the world around us.
It’s important to remember that esteeming others is not just about external actions; it starts in the heart. Proverbs 4:23 tells us, “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” When we choose to esteem others, it’s a reflection of the condition of our hearts. If our hearts are filled with love, grace, and humility, we will naturally extend those qualities to those around us. But if our hearts are filled with bitterness, anger, or judgment, it will be difficult to show honor and respect to others. That’s why it’s crucial to ask God to help us cultivate a heart that esteems others, to see them as He sees them, and to treat them with the love and dignity they deserve.
Esteeming one another is not just a suggestion in the Bible, but a command that shapes the way we live and interact with others. It’s an invitation to reflect Christ’s love and honor in everything we do. By choosing to esteem others, we become a living testimony of God’s love and grace, creating a ripple effect that touches the lives of those around us. When we honor others, we honor God, and we experience the joy and fulfillment that comes from living in accordance with His will. Let us continually seek to esteem one another, to delight in others, and to walk in love, as Christ has shown us.
God, help us to reflect Your love in our daily interactions. Let our actions, words, and attitudes be a testament to the value we see in others. May we always honor and esteem those around us, just as Christ esteemed us. In Jesus' name, Amen.
COMMENTS