Humility: It's Not What You ThinkSample

Galatians 5:13-14 encourages us to, “Serve one another humbly in love.  For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”

You guys, as Christians, we’re charged with modeling this to the world—to love our neighbors as ourselves. It’s a beautiful, connecting and vital commandment. 

Sometimes, I wonder what the world would look like if everyone took this command to heart. I mean, what if even just everyone who loved Jesus truly lived this way—serving each other humbly and loving each other the way they would want to be loved? I think there would be less disagreements and divorces, less families torn apart, less mom-shaming, less orphans and homeless, and a whole lot more grace and understanding.

But the reality is, we often fall short, don’t we? We choose the path that puts us ahead of someone else. We choose resentment instead of forgiveness. We avoid instead of apologize. 

I want to talk about that last part for a moment. Owning up to your mistakes is one of the toughest aspects of practicing humility. But part of being a humble person is swallowing your pride.

In Mere Christianity, C.S. Lewis wrote, “Pride is a spiritual cancer: It eats up the very possibility of love, or contentment, or even common sense.”

We’ve all messed up at some point in our relationships, and carrying around the guilt of a strained relationship is a heavy burden. It makes us lose sleep, and our anxiety goes through the roof. So, what’s keeping you from letting go of the guilt? Is it possible that it’s your pride? 

I know this is hard stuff. Our lives are made up of the choices we make, and humility is no different. It’s a daily choice. Today, I challenge you to choose to do the hard thing. Still with me? I hope so, because this step could change everything! 

Is there someone in your life you’ve disappointed recently? This could be your child, spouse, friend, parent or coworker. What would you do differently if you could have a do-over? 

Guess what: You can! 

At some point today, write down what you would say if you apologized to them. Get your sincere feelings out on the page. Own up to your mistake and ask them for forgiveness. 

Then, if you really want to practice humility, reach out to them and give them the letter. I told you this would be hard! But Thomas Merton said, “Pride makes us artificial, and humility makes us real.” Trust me, being real with each other is the best way to break down walls and truly live out humility. 

Don’t forget to write down how this is making you feel. Journaling is the best way to process your thoughts—plus it will be a blessing to look back later and see how much you’ve grown!