Love Is Not Proud

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud” (1 Corinthians 13:4).

If we are proud, it means we have a high opinion of ourselves. It usually shows up in our behavior.

Too often, we tend to concentrate on keeping ourselves comfortable instead of first making sure that others are comfortable. We consider ourselves first.

Pride means being self-important and self-righteous. People who are proud think that they are almost always right and they think that they know almost everything.

The Bible has much to say about pride.

When we walk with Jesus, we need to understand that pride in ourselves has to go. Jesus wants His followers to consider other people first. We are to consider their needs before our own. If we are too busy concentrating on what we want to do, accomplish or have, we forget to take care of the needs of those around us.

Our children watch our behavior. If we model self-centeredness for them instead of teaching them to seek the good of others first, we are training them to be proud.

Jesus had a right to be proud. He had a right to demand what He wanted. He was perfect. He was always right, and He knew everything, but He did not demand His rights. He considered the rights of others. He associated with the humble and made friends with sinners.

Take pride in the things Jesus has done for you but do not take pride in yourself. Pride is not a part of the character of a loving person.

Kimberly Snider is a missionary to the Philippines.

From “Moments for Moms,” a free email subscription.
Copyright (c) 2003 Women’s Ministries of the Assemblies of God.
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Maxim of the Moment

You have to be careful about being too careful. - Beryl Pfizer