I’ll be honest. Before last month’s post, I considered discontinuing this series. We (the admin team and the authors) try to limit the number of devotions because that’s not what you’re here to read. You want to know about romance — whether real or fiction.
Last month, I interrupted the series with a different kind of devotion. Of course, I was probably “preaching to the choir,” but sometimes I need to be reminded that my circumstances do not dictate my actions.
In the comments, many of you expressed your enjoyment of the Love is series, and so it’s back today.
I am combining two, because they are so closely related.
1 Cor. 13:4 – Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud. (NLT)
Boastful – the Greek word means: “to act as a braggart, i.e. a ‘show off’ who needs too much attention”
Proud/arrogant – in the Greek it means “to inflate by blowing; (figuratively) swelled up, like an egotistical person spuing out arrogant (“puffed-up”) thoughts.”
What comes to mind is the story of Jesus washing the feet of His disciples. He wasn’t too proud to do a menial job reserved for servants, but Peter was almost too proud to allow Jesus to serve him in that way.
Usually, I think of people as being proud because they are being boastful, sharing with anyone and everyone who will listen about their good deeds.
I remember when I first met my husband. He exuded confidence, but having never been around anyone like him, I equated it with arrogance. He wasn’t boastful, but he was sure of himself.
But we all know people. Or maybe you are one of them. I think at some point or another, we all have issues with this — bragging about something we’ve done (or didn’t do) or knowing it all about some topic in some conversation with friends or colleagues (even if we don’t).
Except LOVE doesn’t do those things.
We should put others before ourselves. Phil 2:3 says, Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit [through factional motives, or strife], but with [an attitude of] humility [being neither arrogant nor self-righteous], regard others as more important than yourselves. (AMP)
Romans 12:16 – Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty [conceited, self-important, exclusive], but associate with humble people [those with a realistic self-view]. Do not overestimate yourself. (AMP)
So if we’re not to be proud or boastful, how should we be? Well, the opposite of proud and boastful is humble or modest.
The definition of humble, according to Dictionary.com, is: not proud or arrogant. Fitting, yes?
I’d love to say that I’m not proud or boastful, but it wouldn’t be true. I have moments when I puff myself up because I’ve done something seemingly spectacular. But if Jesus, in all of His glory, could humble Himself and become a man to save me, then I can put aside my boasting and pride (which is a joke, anyway, ‘cuz I’m not all that) and be more like Him. And ultimately, that is MY goal.
Who is the humblest person you know? What makes them humble?
Blessings,
Love is…
- Part 1 – Love is patient
- Part 2 – Love keeps no record of wrongs
- Part 3 – Love is kind
- Part 4 – Love is not rude
- Part 5 – Love is not irritable
- Part 6 – Love is not jealous
- The Attitude of the Heart – Love is the Answer
Ginger Solomon is a Christian, a wife, a mother to seven, and a writer—in that order (mostly). She writes or reads inspirational romance of any genre. Even when she’s busy homeschooling, doing laundry, or fixing dinner, reading or writing are not far from her mind. She is president of her local writing group, and blogs regularly for InspyRomance.com and at gingersolomon.com.
Humility is such a difficult and elusive character. The ultimate example of humility is Jesus, as you’ve mentioned in your post. Thanks for the great reminder as I head into this Monday.
Hi Ginger and thanks for a thought provoking blog. My parents were humble people. Humility as love is an attitude. Humility does not mean not being proud of our accomplishments or successes, it is our attitude on how we present them – are we loving and kind – are we real or do we overestimate ourselves or lord it over others. Romans 12:16 – Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty [conceited, self-important, exclusive], but associate with humble people [those with a realistic self-view]. Do not overestimate yourself. (AMP) Best wishes.
Hi Ginger, I am appreciating your series, thanks for continuing. My godfather is a humble man of God, for whom I am thankful. I like Renate’s comment about humility as love being an attitude.
Blessings:)
Hi Ginger, great post! I think the most boastful people are often very insecure. Having just been at the ACFW conference, I noticed how humble and helpful the big-name authors tended to be…. while a few less-known authors and speakers seemed more arrogant. Key word “seemed”–they were probably feeling inferior. I know which group I’d like to emulate…
Hi Ginger, Thanks for continuing your Love series. :) My parents have taught me what it means to be humble. I have also seen what Lee has mentioned and I’ve learned that an author’s true character is often revealed when their debut book releases.
what a great post. I know of someone who is both of those and it is hard to be around him, put I know Jesus has his reason for putting me in his path. So I try to show Jesus’s love to him constantly. You are right. We can all be this way at times and asking forgiveness is very important. Then working at changing the attitude.
You’re welcome, MH. I pray your day has been spectacular (going from when you posted, it started far earlier than mine). :)
I read that verse when I was preparing this post, Renate, and almost used it.
I’ve always said love is not only a feeling. It is an attitude. It is a decision (as the book by that title declares).
Have a blessed day.
I, too, love Renate’s point. And thank you for your encouragement to continue the series.
I agree, Lee. I think we boast more when we feel more insecure. At least, I know I do (if I’ve managed to come out of the shadows, that is). Like I said, a lot of these posts are written for me, and you all get to share in my discoveries.
I wish I could say my parents taught me, but most of what I’ve learned of the Lord came from NOT following their examples, and of course, learning it on my own with the help of Holy Spirit.
I certainly know that I can’t write without God. And if I’d forgotten that, I’ve learned it in spades this last year.
Many blessings.
Thanks, Lori. Yes, it is difficult at times to be around people who act like this. But like Lee said in her comment, most times the person is struggling with his self-esteem. I would suggest you also pray for him, and maybe keep your eyes open to praise him when he least expects it. Sometimes an encouraging word makes all the difference. (Sorry, I’m not really sure why I typed all that, but felt led to, so I’ll leave it.)
God, I pray for the man in Lori’s life who is hard to be around. Help him to know who he is IN YOU, so he can be secure in who is here on earth. Amen.
I enjoyed this series and thanks for continuing it! I think of a former pastor’s wife as being humble. She was widowed at young age, 3 girls to raise, but never lost her faith nor did she complain. She set such a good example.
Thanks for the post. The truly humble people I’ve been around are focused on other people and helping them look good. Recently I’ve been around a quite arrogant person, and he likes to talk, and talk about himself, and makes excuses for why he doesn’t do what is expected of his position, because it’s not his gift… He is not focused on other people!
That would have been hard. I’m glad she set a good example. :)
Great point, Margaret.
Another great post and I have also enjoyed this series. My husband is one of the most humble persons that I know. He is confident, but he is quick to not take all the credit. He is always trying to make sure that everyone feels included and loved. He continually teaches me what Jesus is like.
That’s excellent, Becky. Sure enough of himself and his abilities to let others enjoy the rewards of a job well done. :D
My husband because he doesn’t see what everyone else sees in him. He never puffs himself up (unless we are joking around), and dismisses any kind of praise (for lack of a better word) of the things he does. He’s an excellent example for me.
Our pastor. He’s the most gentle, humble & loving person I know other than my husband. I’ve never met a more humble man in my life and that’s why it is so sad to see him finally retire from preaching after 52 years! But now he can enjoy his older years with his wife and grown kids :-) He was a great overseer of our church and will be missed by us all.
Of course the best example of all is Jesus! He never pointed to Himself always to the Father and showed what it was to be a servant.
Those are great examples, Trixi. Thanks for sharing.
This was such a good reminder! I can’t think of anyone especially humble but I am inspired to try to be more humble.
I’m glad I could inspire you, Ellie. Have a great day.