“Humanity without humility makes true forgiveness impossible. Humanity rises up and demands that I be declared the right one, the good one, the victimized one. . . . Humility bows low and claims the greatest victory a human can ever grasp: God’s prize of peace.”- Lysa TerKeurst
As Lysa TerKeurst moves on in Chapter 13 of Forgiving What You Can’t Forget, she astutely notes the inconvenient reality of emotional pain. Because such pain disrespects our schedule. Thus, we fail to time the triggers. As a result, we start to believe that we also can’t tame our reactions.
Yet, Lysa observes, deep pain excels at revealing a greater truth than our soul dares to admit. But as we swallow hard, we taste a bitter reality promising to transform into a sweet truth. If only we admit what’s really real. That’s when we need to add humility to the process.
Certainly, deep down in our souls, we desire healing, not revenge. Peace, not more chaos. Therefore, Lysa explains, bitterness gives you the raw end of the deal. She writes:
“Bitterness is a bad deal that makes big promises on the front end but delivers nothing you really want on the back end. Only God has what I really want. Turning my heart over to bitterness is turning away from God. So I bow low . . . Not because I want to. Because I need to.”
Consequently, Lysa stresses, two choices present themselves:
- Add your anger and resentment into the equation; fulfills demand that all wrongs are made right.
- Make the rare choice to add in your own humility; humility wants something even better – peace.
In conclusion, Lysa asserts the following:
“Adding humility into the situation acknowledges the unfairness I have felt but affirms a trust in God to do what He needs to both in their hearts and mine.”
Today’s question: What Bible verses help you avoid humanity without humility? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “An atmosphere of peace, shalom”
