WEEK 5: HUMILITY

This week is focused on Humility, one of the most difficult Christian values to incorporate into our lives but perhaps the most important trait to develop to be a true follower of Jesus.  Interestingly, humility is also the most powerful trait in predicting marital satisfaction.  Those who report they have a humble spouse report happiness in marriage at a high rate. 

So cultivating humility in our marriages is essential.

Quotes on Humility for Meditation


 

Podcasts on Humility


1.   The Fierce Marriage Podcast focuses on humility/ pride "The biggest battle every couple will ever face" (53:20)    

2.  Journeywomen ministries interviews Hannah Anderson, author of Humble Roots

3.  Red Church Australia pastor Sarah Deutscher speaks on Pride, Humility and Jesus’ easy yoke (45:54)



YouTube on Humility

This is a teaching from Dr Larry Christensen on the concept empathic repentance which relates both to humility and to forgiveness.  Its just the audio in 2 tracks, and quite inspiring

 

6 Activities that promote Humility

1.  Engage in Worshipping God

Worship of God is a natural act of humility as we recognize the greatness and wonder of God above and beyond all humans.

2.  Acceptance

Focus on a part of your marriage that is a real limitation for you both.  All marriages have chronic areas of weakness.  Perhaps you tend to get stuck in a pursuer-distancer communication pattern.  Or perhaps some childhood wounds make you sensitive to similar hurts.  Perhaps you have different needs for time together vs. time apart.  All marriages have limitations.  Spend some time in prayer or journaling focused on accepting this limitation as a means of experiencing humility.  Give your concerns to God and ask Him to speak wisdom to you about how to accept the limitations of being ahuman who is married to a human.  Surrender your desire of how the marriage should be to God.  Ask for His love to guide you. 

3.  Listen 

Spend time listening to others.  You can especially do this with your spouse and children.  Ask them about the details of their life, what they hope will happen in the work they do (or play if preschool children) or what is most painful and difficult part of their day.   This is an act of servant-humility.

4.  Memorize scripture focused on humility. 

Some ideas include Colossians 3:12; Proverbs 16:18; II Corinthians 4:7.  Or find a verse that inspires humility for you. 

5.  Do something new as a couple or family

As a couple do something new together that you’ve never tried before.  Ideas include things like playing pickleball, or another sport that is new to both of you.  You could try a new card game or board game.  If you are feeling spiritual you could try a new spiritual discipline you haven’t before like perhaps lectio divina or listening prayer (google it).  Your kids can join you, if they are old enough.  Trying new things is a natural humility-builder.  Notice how you respond to not being good at the new thing.  Can you accept your limitations?  Can you be humble? 

6.  Act of Kindness

Other-orientation is another part of being humble.  Dedicate yourself to do something kind and thoughtful for your spouse (& children if you have them) this week.  Perhaps texts of encouragement, or cover a chore that person usually does, or other creative kind acts of service.

Devotional Type Readings

1.  Ligonier ministries (the teaching fellowship of R.C. Sproul) has a small devotional on humility.  

2.  The national Catholic register has a devotional type article on Mother Theresa’s 15 tips on becoming more humble.

3.  Andrew Murray’s book “Humility: The Beauty of Holiness” is often referenced as a treasure trove of wisdoms among people who are focused on learning about humility.  It’s a short book with 12 chapters and could easily be read 2 chapters a day for a week.  You could download it to your Kindle, purchase it, or a free version is available at: 

Artwork on Humility

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