Did you know that God wants us to honor each other? We are supposed to celebrate each other's wins. But not celebrate with a fake smile and secretly jealous heart, but by genuine affection.
What is genuine affection? Perhaps it's being there for someone, telling them something encouraging, showing physical affection like a hug, or simply just giving a person a little bit of your time.
This was such a hard concept for me to learn. I've always enjoyed helping people and being happy for them. But if you try taking this concept to your enemies (Who you're supposed to love and pray for... Genuine affection perhaps? Matthew 5:44), or to those who have simply just frustrated you, this quickly becomes a major challenge.
God has made the universe in a unique way. When you help people, He is helping you. God wants you to help others and not think so much of yourself. Do you know what humility is? Humility is not thinking less of yourself, humility is thinking of yourself less. There is healing in giving back!
So honor each other. Everyone- believers and non-believers. You don't need friends in your life so they can help you (although that IS good). You need friends in your life so you can help them. Be like Job, and pray for your friends. God will bless you for it.
"Don't just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other." Romans 12:9-10
