Be Willing To Listen, Consider, And Yield

‘Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honour giving preference to one another.’ Romans 12:10 NKJV

In the summer of 1986, two ships collided in the Black Sea off the coast of Russia. Hundreds of passengers died after being hurled into the icy water below. News of the disaster got worse when an investigation revealed the cause of the accident. It wasn’t a technical problem like radar malfunction, or even thick fog. The cause was human stubbornness. Each captain was aware of the other ship’s presence and both could have steered clear. But according to news reports, neither captain wanted to give way to the other, because each was too proud to yield. By the time they came to their senses, it was too late.

If you’re a tough-minded, strong-willed, make-it-happen kind of person, think about what you’ve just read. If by winning the argument you hurt or lose the relationship, what have you gained? If you save face but lose the relationship, you end up in the loss column. So here’s the word for you today: ‘Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honour giving preference to one another… Be of the same mind towards one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion. Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men… Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord… Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.’ (Romans 12:10–21 NKJV)