Our boasting hurts us and others

“We just closed on our million-dollar home. Our children will be going to the best schools in the country, of course …”
I’ve never heard anyone say these exact words, but we’ve all heard similar remarks, especially at family or class reunions. It’s no fun being around a boastful person. I don’t even like being around myself when I hear myself bragging. It’s so unbecoming.
What does our bragging say about us? When we feel the need to prove our worth by esteeming ourselves above others, we not only display our lack of love and respect for them, we also reveal a lack of love and respect for ourselves.
This week, as we tackle 1 Corinthians 13:4’s final challenge: “Love does not … boast; it is not arrogant” (ESV), perhaps we can minimize our temptation to brag by understanding God’s love. If we feel secure in Him, we won’t have to reach for validation from others – or ourselves. If we practice loving others with God’s love, then perhaps they wouldn’t feel the need to boast.
In fact, when we’re boastful and arrogant, we become so self-focused we can’t see and recognize others’ accomplishments. Or we see their accomplishments as threats to our “importance.” Both are detrimental to our relationships and our spiritual growth. Choosing to applaud another’s success rather than tooting our own horns is another way we can display genuine, godly love.
As we wrap up our discussion on 1 Corinthian 13:4, let’s look at this verse in its entirety once again: “Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant.” Which characteristic do you struggle with the most today? Patience? Kindness? Jealousy? Arrogance?
Would you consider going to your heavenly Father, acknowledging your weakness, and asking for grace to do better? Let’s do this together now:
Heavenly Father, we want to love others with the same love with which You love us. We want to love magnanimously! Please help us in the areas where we’re weak. When we’re tempted to be impatient, unkind, jealous and arrogant, help us instead to be longsuffering, caring, content and humble. May we feel so secure in Your love that we behave as Your dearly loved children.

Sheryl H. Boldt is a sales executive for Wave 94 and author of the blog, TodayCanBeDifferent.net. Connect with her at SherylHBoldt.Wave94@gmail.com.