In what ways can pride hinder our relationships with fellow believers?

Seeing Pride through Romans 12:16

“Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but associate with the lowly. Do not be conceited.”

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Why Pride Slips In

• Success or gifting that draws applause

• Comparing ourselves with “weaker” believers

• Forgetting that every talent is a trust from God

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How Pride Harms Fellowship

• Builds Invisible Walls

– Pride keeps us from “associate[ing] with the lowly,” so natural, easy friendships replace cross-section fellowship.

– Philippians 2:3 reminds, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition… in humility value others above yourselves.” When we don’t, cliques form and parts of the body feel unwanted.

• Shuts Down Listening

– A proud spirit assumes, “I already know.”

– Proverbs 13:10: “Where there is strife, there is pride, but wisdom is found in those who take advice.” Conversations become debates, not learning moments.

• Stifles Mutual Care

– Romans 12:15 calls us to “weep with those who weep.” Pride makes us uncomfortable around messy needs.

– 1 Corinthians 12:25 warns that without mutual concern the body suffers fracture.

• Breeds Competition Instead of Cooperation

– Galatians 5:26: “Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying one another.” Pride turns ministry into a scoreboard; collaboration dries up.

• Invites God’s Resistance

– James 4:6: “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” When He resists us, relationships fray; grace that smooths rough edges is withheld.

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Signs Pride Is Hindering Me

• Irritation when overlooked or corrected

• Secret joy when another believer fails

• Difficulty celebrating someone else’s gifting

• Reluctance to serve in unseen roles

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Steps Toward Humility

1. Remember Christ’s example—Philippians 2:5-8 shows the Lord emptying Himself for us.

2. Practice downward movement—seek the unnoticed task, the quiet seat.

3. Speak gratitude—regularly acknowledge others’ contributions.

4. Invite feedback—humility grows when we listen without defensiveness.

5. Keep the cross in view—at Calvary all boastings are silenced.

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Living the Verse Together

When each believer lays aside pride, harmony blossoms. We begin to see one another as co-heirs, not competitors; servants, not stars. Romans 12:16 becomes less a command to obey and more the natural rhythm of a family walking in the humble footsteps of Christ.