No one should seek their own good, but the good of others. 1 Corinthians 10:24
“Let our whole body, then, be preserved in, Christ Jesus; and let every one be subject to his neighbor, according to the special gift bestowed upon him. Let the strong not despise the weak, and let the weak show respect to the strong. Let the rich man provide for the wants of the poor; and let the poor man bless God, because He has given him one by whom his need may be supplied. Let the wise man display his wisdom, not by [mere] words, but through good deeds. Let the humble not bear testimony to himself, but leave witness to be borne to him by another. Let him that is pure in the flesh not grow proud of it, and boast, knowing that it was another who bestowed on him the gift of continence. Let us consider, then, brethren, of what matter we were made, — who and what manner of beings we came into the world, as it were out of a sepulchre, and from utter darkness. He who made us and fashioned us, having prepared His bountiful gifts for us before we were born, introduced us into His world. Since, therefore, we receive all these things from Him, we ought for everything to give Him thanks; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.”
Clement of Rome (c. 35-99) in 1 Clement 38 (translated by Roberts-Donaldson).
As we continue to explore the connection between our neighbor and generosity, we discover that we are to put our neighbor and their good ahead of ourselves.
Clement, the first bishop of Rome, says we should be “subject” to our neighbor. This echoes the words of Paul that our aim should not be to seek our own good, but rather the good of others.
This is radical stuff. Most people seek their own good first and do their giving from there. What would it look like for us to switch this around in our lives. Let’s ponder this today.
As I give it thought, I discern that God wants me to trust Him to care for my needs. And, linked to that, He has put me on this earth to care for the needs of others ahead of my own.
God help me do this, help me be subject to my neighbor in 2024 and beyond.