Why Do We Not Have Room in Our Hearts for Each Other?

By Gisela Yohannan

I would like to share with you a few thoughts about self-centeredness.

I believe the Lord desires that we make room in our hearts for each other. Most people’s lives only revolve around themselves, their families and their possessions. Perhaps we grew up with strong family ties, and we were taught that all our efforts, energy and resources should benefit our own family. But when we look in the Bible, we discover that as believers, God has called us to far more:
But with humility of mind let each of you regard one another as more important than himself; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others(Philippians 2:3–4).
God expects my focus to change from me to you. This Scripture actually means that your spiritual and physical well-being must become my deep personal concern. I will no longer be satisfied if my own life exhibits love, joy, peace, humility and holiness; but I will earnestly desire for God to develop these things in you as well. I will not rest but will seek the Lord on your behalf until my prayers are answered.

In fact, my concern for you will run so deeply that I will only consider my victory in the race complete if you cross the finish line alongside of me.


Your suffering, poverty, struggles or failures will cause me to feel the same pain and sadness you experience, and I will look for ways to help you. On the other hand, if you do well and God uses you, I will not be jealous but will rejoice and praise God for you.

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To read more from Gisela Yohannan on Patheos, go here.

To read more on humility and opening our hearts for each other, go here.

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