June 06

Humble Love


Don’t think highly of yourself….

Romans 11:20c (NLT)


Be honest in your assessment of yourselves….

Romans 12:3b (NLT)


Love your neighbor as yourself….

Romans 13:9c (NLT)


The world tells us to look out for number one. The professionals on Madison Avenue know how to grab someone’s attention: focus on their ego. It’s all about you! they seem to say. That’s how sales and marketing work. We have a natural need to satisfy SELF—and they know it. I really think it’s how sales people are taught to view their world. God, however, has turned the world upside down.

Consider Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-6). Take a look. See where and how God blesses people. God knows our primary motivation is to pursue our own needs above all else. It’s a hard habit to break. To get us looking beyond ourselves, God requires a healthy serving of humility. Sometimes, He develops this noble quality by taking us to the low spots of life. It is these experiences that free us to fully look beyond ourselves and see the hurts, the injustices, the greater need surrounding us. It is a step beyond loving self and a step closer to loving like Jesus.

Loving self is a Madison Avenue advertising no-brainer, while loving others requires an honest evaluation of who we really are. It means seeking the truth. And the truth, you see, will set us free!


Lord, forgive me for my pride and for my selfishness. Open my eyes to this truth. Help me to see others and consider their needs as more important. Help me to love like Jesus. Amen.