Humble Love
By Jennifer Slattery
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.” Philippians 2:3
When my husband and I were first married, I had a cynical, warped view of relationships. I believed if I didn’t watch out for myself and fight for my needs, others would take advantage of me rob me of happiness and fulfillment. I didn’t trust that Christ was truly enough for my days and my tomorrows and my hurts and fears.
I didn’t understand that I’d been created for so much more than tic-for-tac living. God formed and redeemed me not only for life, but for life-change, not for self-protection but to lose myself for something beyond human comprehension—the things of eternity.
God designed me to reflect Him, so that when others look at me—how I live and love—they would see Christ and long for a relationship with Him. Initially this felt hard, and sometimes it still is. Honoring others above myself goes against my pride and challenges the sin lurking within me. But when I relinquish all for the sake of my Savior, I receive something so much sweeter and more enduring than anything my selfishness could procure.
I find what I need most: relational intimacy with Christ and others and a purpose that endures.
Every time I value others above myself, I act a little more like Jesus and a little less like selfish, prideful, and insecure Jennifer Slattery.
Jennifer Slattery is a writer, editor, speaker, and the founder of Wholly Loved Ministries. She writes for Crosswalk, iBelieve is a multi-published author of Hometown Healing among other titles who also writes articles, Bible studies, and devotions. When not writing, reading, or editing, Jennifer loves going on mall outings with her adult daughter and coffee dates with her hilariously fun husband. Visit her online at jenniferslatterylivesoutloud.com or book her for your next women’s event.
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Originally published Friday, 16 December 2022.
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