Humility, Gentleness, and Also Patience

An argument starts, Or just continues,
Breaking hearts and bones and sinews.
No pause for civil problem solving
No notice of the love dissolving
Curse the pride that fans the fire.
Curse the ever deepening mire.
Three things conquer pride’s creations:
Humility , gentleness and also patience.

One drink began a loathsome journey
Ending on a cold basement gurney.
No cry for help, no quiet contrition,
No addiction to alcohol admission.
Curse the pride that hides the pain.
Curse the choice to die in vein.
Three things break up pride’s fixations:
Humility, gentleness and also patience.

Lust for power, wealth and pleasure,
Successful living by man’s measure.
No need to reach up for God’s hand.
No rock foundation, only sand.
Curse the pride that drives man’s greed.
Curse the sad self-centered creed.
Three things silence life’s flirtations:
Humility, gentleness and also patience.

When pride arrives, disgrace comes too. (Proverbs 11:2)
The pride of heart always deceives you. (Jeremiah 49:16)
Pride breeds quarrels, precedes a fall. (Proverbs 13:10; 16:18)
It doesn’t leave God any room at all. (Psalm 10:4)
God hates the arrogant, hates the proud. (Proverbs 8:3)
God hates and will punish this woeful crowd. (Proverbs 16:5)
Three things lacking across the nations:
Humility, gentleness and also patience.

"So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience;" (Colossians 3:12)

"Walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience," (Ephesians 4:1-2)

True Heroes

In conflict or battle,
With life and limb threatened,
How are we humble to be?
Do taking up arms and
Defending one’s freedom
Erase our humility?

Humble as victors
Or humbly surrender;
To win is the preference for me.
Can we take on opponents
With formidable force
Without loss of humility?

Humbleness isn’t
Defined as unguarded,
As cowardly, sickly, or wimpy.
It is disciplined strength,
With unselfish intention,
True heroes have humility.

The Humility Poll

Okay. So you’re having a conversation and you are trying to be humblesome. How are you doing? Make a speedy personal appraisal of your deportment using this checklist.

1. Is at least 40 percent of the conversation not about me?
2. Am I showing any interest in what others are saying?
3. Have I relinquished control of the conversation?
4. Have there been periods of 2 to 3 minutes when I said nothing?
5. Am I responding with proper emotion to what others are saying? (i.e., joy, surprise, righteous indignation)
6. Has my body language communicated positively? (i.e., nods, winks, smiles, the motion Italians make with their fingers to their lips when something is especially tasty)
7. Have I avoided negative body language? (i.e., staring at the ceiling, arms crossed like a referee’s delay of game penalty, fingers shaped like an “L” placed on the forehead)
8. Have I extended any compliment, praise, thanks, or offers to assist?
9. Have I carefully limited unsolicited advice?
10. Have I observed the traffic signs displayed by others in the conversation? (i.e., stop, go, yield, time out, slow children, quiet zone, personal space: do not come any closer!)

If you can answer “Yes” to all of these you are most humble, indeed. Keep it up. Humility will win friends and rob your enemies of ammunition. If you answered “No” to any one of these, you have a problem. Examine each question for which you answered “No.” You now have the wonderful opportunity to grow in your humility and to correct a flaw which others could see but no one has been brave enough to show you.