“And let us consider one another …” (Hebrews 10:24)
Consideration is at the heart of love. When we consider another we are willing to know their condition. We step out of our shoes and into theirs. We become sensitive to their thoughts and feelings. Cruel and callous people are without thought for any but themselves. Merciful people are considerate.
David knew God as merciful and considerate. “I will be glad and rejoice in thy mercy: for thou hast considered my trouble; thou hast known my soul in adversities” (Psa. 31:7) Job’s righteousness was demonstrated by his willingness to know the issues which affected his servants. He was approachable and able to hear them out even when they “contended” with him. “If I did despise the cause of my manservant or of my maidservant, when they contended with me” (Job 31:13).
Consideration of others is a main difference between the righteous and the wicked. “The righteous considereth the cause of the poor: but the wicked regardeth not to know it.” (Prov. 29:7)
We all could learn to be more considerate of others. Christ is the best and most perfect example of being considerate. He who was God became man in order to know us in a greater way. He lowered Himself in order to look on our things. We are called to do likewise:
“Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 2:4,5)
It is easy to be self-consumed. We know what we think, feel, want. We don’t need to be told to love ourselves. We do that automatically. Loving others though is a learned art which is taught us by the Spirit of Christ.
Be touched by the feeling of the infirmities of others. Dwell with them according to a knowledge of where they are. Look beyond yourself and consider them.