Topical Encyclopedia
In the context of biblical teachings, the concept of "preferring" often relates to the idea of prioritizing or valuing certain actions, attitudes, or individuals in accordance with God's will. This concept is deeply rooted in the principles of love, humility, and service as taught throughout Scripture.
Biblical References:1.
Romans 12:10 : "Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Outdo yourselves in honoring one another." This verse emphasizes the importance of preferring others in love and honor. The Apostle Paul encourages believers to prioritize the well-being and respect of others above their own, fostering a community of mutual love and humility.
2.
Philippians 2:3-4 : "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others." Here, Paul instructs the Philippians to prefer others by considering their needs and interests, promoting a selfless attitude that mirrors Christ's humility.
3.
1 Peter 5:5 : "Young men, in the same way, submit yourselves to your elders. And all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, 'God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.'" This passage highlights the importance of preferring humility over pride, encouraging believers to submit to one another in reverence and respect.
Theological Implications:The act of preferring others is a reflection of Christ's own example. Jesus consistently demonstrated preference for the marginalized, the needy, and the humble, challenging societal norms and expectations. His life and teachings call believers to a higher standard of love and service, where preferring others becomes a natural expression of faith.
Practical Application:In practical terms, preferring others can manifest in various ways within the Christian community and beyond. It involves actively listening, serving, and sacrificing for the benefit of others. This can be seen in acts of kindness, prioritizing time for those in need, and making decisions that reflect the love and compassion of Christ.
Challenges and Considerations:While the call to prefer others is clear, it is not without challenges. Human nature often leans towards self-interest and pride, making the practice of preferring others a continual spiritual discipline. Believers are encouraged to rely on the Holy Spirit for strength and guidance in cultivating a heart that genuinely seeks the good of others.
Conclusion:The biblical principle of preferring others is a foundational aspect of Christian living, deeply intertwined with the virtues of love, humility, and service. By prioritizing others, believers not only fulfill the law of Christ but also bear witness to the transformative power of the Gospel in their lives.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
p. pr. & vb. n.) of Prefer.
Greek
25. agapao -- to love... involves and " (, 477). 1 Jn 4:8,16,17 for example convey how loving
("
preferring," 25 ) is Christ the believer. Word Origin of
...Library
He Accuses Abaelard forPreferring his Own Opinions and Even...
... CHAPTER V He accuses Abaelard forpreferring his own opinions and even fancies to
the unanimous consent of the Fathers, especially where he declares that...
Introductory Tertullian Compares the Heresy to the Old Eleusinian...
... Eleusinian Mysteries. Both Systems Alike inPreferring Concealment of Error
and Sin to Proclamation of Truth and Virtue. The Valentinians...
How we are to Reduce all the Exercise of the virtues, and all Our...
... be equally desirous of both, he is wrong, and does not escape being an ambitious
man; for he overthrows the order of reason, in eitherpreferring or equalizing...
1 Timothy v. 21-23
... 1 Timothy v.21-23 "I charge thee before God and the Lord Jesus Christ and the elect
angels, that thou observe these things withoutpreferring one before another...
I am Told that He Also Carps at Me for the Translation I have...
... I wished not to give a distasteful rendering, andpreferring to follow the sense,
gave the word Worship; for those who worship are apt to kiss their hands and...
The Evil Resulting from the Bringing in of Novel Doctrine Shown in...
... in Africa were rushing headlong into their own mad error, and unmindful of their
name, their religion, their profession, werepreferring the sacrilegious...
March the Twenty-Eighth the Choice of Barabbas
... When I choose revenge rather than forgiveness, I ampreferring Barabbas to Christ.
For revenge is a murderer, while forgiveness is a healer and saviour of men....
That in that virtue in which Regulus Excels Cato, Christians are...
... Our opponents are offended at ourpreferring to Cato the saintly Job, who endured
dreadful evils in his body rather than deliver himself from all torment by...
Of the Mortification of the Affections of the Will...
... unto them; yea, it was not without ground that they disgraced and condemned this
virtue (by which men compared themselves with others,preferring all before...
Election.
... Partiality in any being, consists inpreferring one to another without any good
or sufficient reason, or in opposition to good and sufficient reasons....
Thesaurus
Preferring (2 Occurrences)...Preferring (2 Occurrences). Romans 12:10 In love of the brothers be tenderly
affectionate one to another; in honor
preferring one another; (WEB KJV ASV WBS).
...Preferred (9 Occurrences)
Kindly (57 Occurrences)
... (BBE). Romans 12:10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly
love; in honourpreferring one another; (KJV DBY WBS YLT)....
Outdo (1 Occurrence)
... Outdo (1 Occurrence). Romans 12:10 In love of the brothers be tenderly affectionate
one to another; in honorpreferring one another; (See RSV)....
Ospray (2 Occurrences)
... OSPRAY. os'-pra (`ozniyah; haliaetos; Latin Pandion haliaetus): A large hawkpreferring
a diet of fish. The word is found in the list of abominations only....
Will (64996 Occurrences)
... by which it is capable of choosing; the faculty or power of the mind by which we
decide to do or not to do; the power or faculty ofpreferring or selecting one...
Fox (2 Occurrences)
... The reasons forpreferring the rendering "jackal" are (1) that it is more easily
caught than the fox; (2) that the fox is shy and suspicious, and flies mankind...
Tenderly (9 Occurrences)
... (WEY). Romans 12:10 In love of the brothers be tenderly affectionate one to
another; in honorpreferring one another; (WEB ASV). Ephesians...
Devoted (72 Occurrences)
... (WEY). Romans 12:10 In love of the brothers be tenderly affectionate one
to another; in honorpreferring one another; (See NAS NIV)....
Primogeniture
... In the bestowal of parental blessings in patriarchal times great importance was
attached topreferring the firstborn (Genesis 25:31; Genesis 27:29; Genesis 48...
Resources
What is hellfire preaching? Is hellfire preaching biblical? | GotQuestions.orgWas Judas Iscariot forgiven / saved? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about the prosperity gospel? | GotQuestions.orgPreferring: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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