“The Holy Spirit convicts us not to make us feel bad, but to bring life, hope, and change. The question is, how do we respond? Simply trying harder to be humbler never works — -we need to ‘go into training’ to cultivate a humble heart. And training requires practice. We must build habits and rhythms into our daily lives that create a ‘putting others first’ mindset.”- Chip Ingram
“But he gives more grace. Therefore [Scripture] says, ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.’ “- James 4:6 (NIV)
As Chip Ingram moves on in Chapter 2 of I Choose Love, he presents the third of the apostle Paul’s practical steps to help reshape our attitudes to love people.
Step 3: Choose to practice humility. First, Chip stresses, humility consists of more than just an emotion. Or a self-assessment of whether you’re a big shot or not. Rather, humility involves noticing the needs of others and meeting them. As well as honoring them with your attention, offering them your support and encouragement. Above all, that requires consistent self-training.
Furthermore, you need intentionality and discipline to practice humility. But it pays great rewards. In conclusion, Pastor Ingram weighs in on the framework the apostle Paul used. Chip explains:
“God has designed community to work in such a way that everyone best gets their needs met when we look out for others’ interests rather than when we focus on our own. If everyone is focusing on their own needs, we’re the only ones supporting ourselves. If everyone is focused on each other’s needs, ours are met from multiple directions. [God] created us for that kind of mutual support.”
Today’s question: What Bible verses most help you to cultivate a humble heart? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “Everyday little things that bless”