How can I become more thoughtful toward others?

Romans 12:15Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep.

Philippians 2:3-5Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.

Hebrews 13:3Remember those in prison, as if you were there yourself. Remember also those being mistreated, as if you felt their pain in your own bodies.

1 Peter 3:8Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude.

We can be more thoughtful toward others by trying to understand their experiences, their emotions, and their points of view. It takes humility to learn from people different from ourselves, especially if they don’t seem very smart, skilled, or important. It may even take a great deal of bravery, putting ourselves among unfamiliar people and places. Still, it is worth it. When we learn to see others through God’s eyes and value them as he does, we will find a beautiful kind of fellowship that we didn’t know we could have.

Romans 15:1-2We who are strong must be considerate of those who are sensitive about things like this. We must not just please ourselves. We should help others do what is right and build them up in the Lord.

We can be more thoughtful toward others by considering what bothers their conscience. If we are confident that something we are doing is acceptable to God, but not to one of our friends, then we can avoid doing it when we are with that friend.

Ephesians 5:33So again I say, each man must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.

Ephesians 6:1-2Children, obey your parents because you belong to the Lord, for this is the right thing to do. “Honor your father and mother.” This is the first commandment with a promise.

Colossians 3:21Fathers, do not aggravate your children, or they will become discouraged.

We can be thoughtful toward our family members by following God’s guidelines for family roles and responsibilities: love, respect, and honor.

1 Thessalonians 2:7As apostles of Christ we certainly had a right to make some demands of you, but instead we were like children among you. Or we were like a mother feeding and caring for her own children.

We can be thoughtful toward others by giving up some of our rights in order to come alongside them and help them.

Proverbs 15:28The heart of the godly thinks carefully before speaking; the mouth of the wicked overflows with evil words.

James 1:19You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.

We can be thoughtful toward others by carefully listening and thinking before speaking.

Proverbs 12:25Worry weighs a person down; an encouraging word cheers a person up.

Ephesians 4:29Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.

We can be thoughtful by encouraging others with cheerful and positive words.

Romans 12:8If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.

Romans 12:13When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality.

Hebrews 13:16Don’t forget to do good and to share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God.

1 John 3:17If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion—how can God’s love be in that person?

We can cultivate a thoughtful attitude by remembering that God has equipped us to meet the needs of others. This gives us a different perspective on being more sensitive to others and reaching out to them with the gifts God has already given us.

Matthew 5:47“If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else? Even pagans do that.”

Luke 6:29“If someone slaps you on one cheek, offer the other cheek also. If someone demands your coat, offer your shirt also.”

We can even surprise a stranger or a thoughtless person with unexpected thoughtfulness. This reflects the teachings and the example of Christ.