HUMULITY: putting others first by giving up what you think you deserve.
We know ourselves so well and know what we need that we can easily not realize what the needs of another are. It is a challenge to put ourselves in another’s shoes and to see the world from their perspective; to see a situation from their perspective. Jesus pointedly revealed to us God’s kingdom in a variety of ways, and Jesus also took on the pain, suffering, sadness of others. It is through Jesus’ taking on of the sins of the world that we have new life and hope. This was Jesus’ humility.
Humility is how we put aside what we think we deserve, and we consider the other in a given situation. Then we put first the other’s feelings and needs before our own. Humility takes work and practice to think of what the other person’s needs are. This is a character trait that we can hone with help of the Spirit. With God’s help, we can put others first. Just imagine the changes that could be made in the world by thinking of others.
Memory Verse: “Don’t do anything only to get ahead. Don’t do it because you are proud. Instead, be humble. Value others more than yourselves.” – Philippians 2:3
Weekly Bottom Lines: I can put others first by serving them; I can put others first by letting go of what I want; I can put others first because Jesus put me first; I can put others first by doing what Jesus said; Put others first.
Questions to discuss: What does it really mean when we say “put others first?” How have you experienced someone else putting you before them? What ways can you put someone first?