Helping with Humility

The Apostle Paul stated in Romans 3:23, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” All of us make mistakes in life. It is safe to say that none of us are exempt from looking back at some facet of our lives and wishing we had done things differently. This is common. And while we certainly never want to excuse sin, it is important that we always remember that all of us struggle from time to time. And this is why it becomes so essential for us to remain humble in everything that we do (Philippians 2:5; James 4:10). It is always wise to put ourselves in the shoes of those we care about as they are struggling with the various trials that Satan continually throws our way. When given the opportunity to help someone in need, we should ask, “When I am hurting, how would I want my friends to deal with me?” “What could my loved ones do for me that would help me most?” Perhaps if we could do this more often, we would be in a better position to genuinely help one another out.

This idea of looking at things from another’s perspective is indeed Biblical. Paul stated, “Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any sin, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:1-2). In Matthew 7:3-5, Jesus Himself stated that we should always be willing to examine our own weaknesses before pointing out those weaknesses of others. He stated, “And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is a log in your own eye? Hypocrite! First take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.” Something worth considering here, is that maybe a judgmental attitude is the actual log that is in our eye. We must always be careful as to not overlook our own “demons.” This is a great part of being humble as God desires us to be. And may God grant us the courage, strength, and wisdom we need to do such. Truly helping others in this way is part of life in the kingdom as God intended it.