Verses 6-7, 27
-
Do not try to be exalted or honored by others, or you will be put down. Be lowly—don't expect honor—and this will bring you honor in the end (Luke 14:7-11).
Verses 8-10
-
As a believer, do your best to resolve your disputes with a person privately.
-
Especially don't let things escalate to going to court. Believers should not be found fighting with each other in court (1 Corinthians 6:5-7).
-
Forgive debts, show mercy, and prefer loss for the sake of peace rather than selfish gain at the expense of peace.
-
-
Verse 15
-
Persistent gentleness is more persuasive than force.
-
Consistently and patiently show gentleness to a person, when encouraging them to take a course of action, and this will motivate them more than if you used impatient force and anger.
-
Verse 16, 27
-
Gluttony is eating more than what you need. Eat what is good for your body.
-
Remember that if anything you eat, or the amount, causes any kind of harm to your body, and you eat anyway, this is gluttony and sin.
-
If you eat and it causes stomach ache, headache, dizziness, drowsiness, uncomfortable or unhealthy bowel movements, unnecessary weight gain, etc...this also means you were being gluttonous.
-
If you're going to eat sweets, this is ok. Just only eat a serving, or an amount that won't cause harm to your body. 25 grams of added sugar per day is the recommended, healthy limit.
-
Verse 20
-
Don't try to bring laughter or joy to a grieving person if they're not ready for it. Trying to force a smile will only hurt things.
-
When a person is grieving, it is wise to focus on grieving with them for a time before moving on to things that will bring them joy (Job 2:13, Romans 12:15).
-
Verse 21-22
-
Show kindness to people who dislike you. You can overcome evil with good this way (Romans 12:21), and bring peace to a relationship where there isn't peace yet.
-
One practical way is to give to their wants or needs (like their hunger or thirst).
-
Or just to give any thoughtful gift. This is a kindness that helps to pacify anger (Proverbs 21:14).
-
Verse 26
-
Be careful to keep your conduct godly and especially around unbelievers.
-
It will hinder unbelievers from seeing you and your faith in a good light if they see you in any sin. They will see you as a well with bad water—promising good but giving bad.
-
Verse 28
-
If you don't have self-control, you have no defenses against sin and the devil.
-
Become stronger against sin by building your self-control.
-
You can do this by denying your body what it wants in any situation, and instead disciplining your body (1 Corinthians 9:24-27). You can build self-control continually with regular:
-
Fasting and prayer,
-
Working out,
-
Temporary abstinence from sexual gratification (if you're married).
-
-
-