Humility: It's Not What You ThinkSample

"Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms.” — 1 Peter 4:10

Humility goes hand in hand with empathy—not to be confused with sympathy. 

Here’s the difference as I’ve heard it explained: Imagine a man is drowning. Sympathy tosses the drowning man a life raft. Empathy jumps in the water with the raft and carries the drowning man to safety. 

When you practice humility, you’ll find yourself “jumping in the water” a lot—for your spouse, parent, coworker, friend, an acquaintance, or a total stranger. You’ll jump to help others without thinking because of the incredible importance you place on each and every person. 

Living a life like that is full and rich.

Do you know anyone who lives their life this way? A person who exudes both empathy and humility? Who jumps when they get the chance to help someone else? 

I’m thankful I know lots of people like this. Some old, some young. Men and women. All kinds of people who have one thing in common: joy. 

Sure, they still have bad days. And I bet they get mad from time to time. But you can see the joy all over them—a deep, effortless joy that comes from focusing, not on what they can take, but on what they can give. 

So, how can you use what you have to serve others? Here are some ideas I’ve seen everyday people do no matter what stage of life they’re in:

·  Use a talent you have to bless someone else for no reason. For example, I have a makeup artist friend who does free makeovers for homeless women at a local shelter. 

·  Go through your closet and find five items to donate to Goodwill or someone in need. Don’t just choose the pilly sweater wadded up on the corner of the closet floor—part with some nicer things that you know you really don’t need or wear.  

·  Invite families over for dinner regularly, or simply make your home a safe place for people to be vulnerable.

·  Look for opportunities to make someone else’s life a little easier. Buy a fancy coffee for a single mom, write a note of encouragement to a struggling coworker, or fill up your spouse’s car with gas. 

Get out your journal or open your Notes app and jot down one thing you can do to help someone this week!