“It’s natural for our human hearts to head in this direction. That’s why we need the heart and mind of Christ. But even as born again Christians, we’re reminded that we’re called to kindness and unity and getting along. Some of us are a little more quick to slice with our words or our attitudes. If we indulge that aspect of our sin nature, it’s going to consume us. It’s going to destroy our testimony. It’s going to stifle spiritual growth in our lives. As Paul says, it can even destroy a local church.
So how can I practice obedience to this command? Well, first I need to make it a habit of filtering my attitudes and words through the grace of God. To remember that we’re commanded to – in a proverbial sense – greet one another with a holy kiss, not a huffy bite.
And then Paul gives a practical way for how we avoid devouring one another just above verse 15.“
