Philippians 2: 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.
Here is a tough verse. I nearly skipped it for an easier one, but I feel I may need to consider this. I have been hurt, and I have responded by protecting myself from further hurt. I have focused on the value of my self. I may have gone too far.
Valuing others above myself may have contributed to my being in a position to get hurt. I considered their needs instead of being clear-headed about their view of me. I do not want to repeat my past mistakes, the ones which left me wounded, but I need to be humble when it comes to their value versus mine. They are also children of God, and He sees them much more clearly than I do.
How do I strike a balance between self-respect and humble consideration of others?
Prayer: Lord, help me to clearly see how I can serve you and your people without sacrificing my own self-worth. We are all your beloved children. Help me to see others through your eyes and not just as a reflection of my interactions with them.
Amen
There was much about this situation that I didn't understand when I wrote this. I am in a much better place with these people today, but I don't think of them in the same way either. I guess my prayers were answered, at least to some extent.
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