Loving People Isn't EasySample

Love is not proud

It does not boast. It does not show off.
Its speech isn't riddled with "I", "Me," and "Myself".
It isn't too smug to ask for help.
It isn't overconfident.
It isn't arrogant and conceited.
It doesn't think it is better than others.
It doesn't assume it already knows something.
It doesn't flaunt its knowledge.
It doesn't name-drop.
It doesn't see itself as too good to perform certain tasks.

It doesn't constantly feel the need to teach people lessons.
It doesn't often become the centre of attention.
It doesn't disregard the advice of others.
It isn't constantly critical of people.
It doesn't disparage their choices.
It doesn't blatantly belittle people's opinions.
It doesn't consistently need affirmation and attention.
It isn't unreceptive to constructive criticism.

It isn't overly obsessed with appearances.
It doesn't value status, fame, and following.
It doesn't rebel against authority.
It isn't overly judgemental.
It doesn't talk down to people.
It doesn't consider itself more spiritual than others.
It isn't argumentative and aggressive.
It isn't overly confrontational.
It doesn't find a way to talk about itself when someone else is sharing their heart.

It is humble, modest, and extremely respectful.
It serves, it gives, it listens, it supports.
It is emotionally intelligent and situationally aware.
It nurtures relationships and puts others first.
It is curious and always wants to learn.
It is eager to be better and quick to repent.
It speaks its mind and doesn't use sarcasm as a crutch.

It honours others and gives respect where it is due.
It makes conversations about others.
It accepts correction, feedback, and advice.
It assumes responsibility and is accountable.
When everything is going perfectly well
When success is at hand, and there is no want,

When happiness, health, and wealth abound...
Love doesn't feel like it doesn't need God.

Love is not proud.

A few self-reflection questions:

1. What subtle and obvious forms of pride are you struggling with?
2. Have you felt so content in your life - your achievements and abundance - that you didn't feel a need for God?
3. How can you work on being genuinely more humble and putting God above all things in your life?

Journalling Prompt:

Get your journal out and write down the phrase “­­_______ is not PROUD” (insert your name in the blank space). Now, use your creativity through words, art, painting, doodling, or whatever your creative expression is to bring this page alive intentionally – in a way that you’d remember to practice walking in humility like 1 Cor 13 expects us to.