Humility

I thought I was humble. I do what's asked of me at work, at home I cook, clean, take care of my husband and kids. I go to church on Wednesday evenings even though I'm really tired and have to rush to get there. Isn't that being humble?

Last week someone really hurt me. I got angry, offended and hoped God would make them see how wrong they were, maybe punish them a little. At work there's a girl who's short with me at times, not very friendly, so I backed off and talked about her with others. Another person didn't believe what I told them as an instructor and said they'd find out for themselves, so I got mad.

Then, a revelation...people are not going to act the way I think they should...ever. And they have reasons for acting the way they do that has NOTHING to do with me personally. Like the girl at work. I found out when she was younger her older sister was murdered and her parents clung to her, not letting her out of their sight (understandably). She doesn't know how to relate to people because she was so sheltered. The other person is in danger of losing their job and they are terrified, they want to make sure they are doing everything correctly, but its based out of their fears.

Jesus said in Matthew 5:2 that those who are poor in spirit (who don't consider themselves) are blessed. Brendan Manning, in his book, The Relentless Tenderness of Jesus, says that to practice humility or poverty of spirit calls us not to be offended or sensitive to criticism. We need to give up our obsession to our own rights our need to look good in front of others. That if I follow the counsel of Jesus, and take last place, I won't be shocked when others put me there.

Lord, help me to see people with your heart. Not with my preconceived judgements, but with Your compassion. Remove the log from my eye that i may see others the way You see them.