Cruelty or Kindness?

A few summers ago, my husband and I were invited to an outdoor wedding. The reception was in a barn, and the summer humidity was at full strength, so we assumed attire would be casual. I wore a sundress, and my husband wore a polo shirt and khakis. We were wrong about the dress code—evening gowns and tuxedos surrounded us. Our outfits were the one sore spot at a black-tie wedding. It was humiliating!

No one likes to be humiliated. But we are called to live in humility. And the word “humility” comes from the same root as “humiliation.” Jesus wasn’t afraid to risk humiliation. Because He loves us so much, He became human and died a humiliating death on the cross, taking the punishment for our sins. His humility led to His victory over sin and death when He resurrected from the dead, securing our resurrection when He returns to restore creation and right every wrong.

Until that day, because sin and brokenness have corrupted God’s good world, we live in a state of division. We live polarized from our fellow humans. Many of us find it challenging to engage in conversations with people who come from different backgrounds or who have different experiences. But how can we love others if we can’t humble ourselves enough to listen to what they have to say? How can we seek justice if we are too afraid to risk humiliation?

Humbling ourselves starts with knowing we need Jesus no more or less than others do. Scripture illustrates how humility is necessary for healing. In 2 Chronicles 7:14, God gives Solomon four steps for leading the land toward healing: humility, prayer, seeking God’s face, and turning from wickedness. This call for humility is not an isolated suggestion. In Micah 6:8, the prophet Micah tells the people to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God.

We humble ourselves so God’s grace may prevail and His grace to us can overflow to others. We humble ourselves by setting aside our own opinions and desires long enough to listen well and love others. If we want to see healing and reconciliation in our world, we can’t be afraid to follow Jesus by humbling ourselves—even to the point of humiliation. • Becca Wierwille

• How was Jesus humiliated? Why was He willing to be humiliated—for us? (See our “Know Jesus” page.)

• In light of this, how might listening and empathizing come more naturally to us?

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves. Philippians 2:3 (NIV)

Read Verses:

Exodus 6:1-8; 7:1-5; 12:12-13