Counsels on Relationships

Counsel #18 — With Humility

Picture: Counsel #18 — With Humility CR 165.1

Some of the strongest people in Scripture were also the humblest. Take David, for example. He was a powerful, highly-respected king that was chosen by God, yet he made a serious mistake: committing adultery with Bathsheba and trying to cover it up by having her husband killed. CR 165.2

This wasn’t just a private sin; it was a public scandal that had devastating consequences. CR 165.3

Although David fell short, once the prophet Nathan confronted him about his sin, he didn’t defend himself. He didn’t blame Bathsheba, and he didn’t make excuses. Instead, he broke down and confessed, saying, “I have sinned against the Lord.” In Psalms 51, which David wrote in humble repentance to God, He owns his failure. This is the kind of humility that matters most in relationships. A person who can admit when they’re wrong and seek forgiveness - not just from you, but from God too - is someone who’s emotionally and spiritually mature. You don’t need perfection in a partner, but you do need someone who, like David, is willing to say, “I messed up. God, help me make it right.” ^[172] CR 165.4

“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” Psalms 51:10 NIV CR 165.5

“It is your work ... to humble yourself and not wait for God to humble you.” Ellen White in Lift Him Up , p. 282 CR 165.6

Reflect: Do you model the kind of humility you hope to find in someone else? CR 165.7