The younger brother wouldn’t give up his candy bar to his bullying older brother. The larger boy took the smaller one’s arm, twisting it behind his back until the little one cried out, “I give up” as he dropped the candy bar to the floor.

The Bible teaches that in the family of God we are to be submissive to one another. “Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ” Eph. 5:21. Yet being submissive to one another doesn’t mean we capitulate to bullies who would pressure, manipulate, threaten, or harm us into having their own way. Submission isn’t capitulation.

We do not toss aside our beliefs and convictions based on God’s Word to yield to another. Neither is submission a willingness to be bullied into acceptance of or doing what isn’t right. Submission to one another involves having an attitude of servanthood, appreciation, and respect for each other. Above all other motives, we submit to one another in reverence to Jesus as Lord.

The firm stand we have in honoring the Lord, gives us the confidence and security we need to yield ourselves in serving, encouraging, and loving one another. Submission allows us to appreciate each other and treat one another as valuable.

We are taught, “Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves” Ro. 12:10. In honoring one another we make ourselves available to appreciate the Lord’s gifts in each other. We enjoy each other.

Pastor Greg Brownell

United Brethren Church

Dayton