Living Out Humility and Kindness, One Day at a Time
Have you ever wondered what our world would look like if we all took the time to truly value the people around us—not just in words, but in actions? The idea of “esteeming others” comes straight from a powerful message in Philippians 2:3-4, which tells us not to let selfish ambition or pride get in the way, but to humbly think of others before ourselves.
Let’s be honest: it’s easy to get wrapped up in our own lives. We care about our work, our families, our dreams, and our comfort. It’s only natural! These things matter. But the heart of the Christian message, and really of healthy communities in general, is to look beyond our own interests and care about others too.
What Does It Mean to Esteem Others?
Esteeming others isn’t just about being polite or saying nice things. It means recognizing the value and worth of each person you meet, treating them with care and respect, and—sometimes—putting their needs ahead of your own. It’s about humility, realizing that we aren’t better than anyone else and that everyone has something special to offer.
How Can We Live This Out?
· Show humility: Remind yourself that no one is more important than anyone else. Be open to learning from others and appreciating their strengths.
· Listen and empathize: When someone shares, really listen. Try to understand how they feel and what they need.
· Be quick to serve: Small acts of kindness—like helping someone out, encouraging a friend, or just showing patience—go a long way.
· Celebrate others’ victories: Cheer others on and notice their achievements. Genuine encouragement builds trust and community.
· Speak kindly: Use words that lift people up instead of tearing them down.
Why Should We Esteem Others?
From a Christian perspective, putting others first is a way to reflect God’s love. Jesus is the ultimate example—He put the needs of all humanity above His own comfort and went to the cross out of love. When we try to live this way, we build stronger relationships, grow in humility and empathy, and help create a kinder and more compassionate society.
What Happens When We Don’t?
When pride and selfishness take over, it’s hard to have real peace—in our hearts or in our communities. Even in groups meant for doing good, like churches or ministries, things can fall apart if everyone is focused only on their own goals. But when people choose to put others first, amazing things happen. Walls come down, trust grows, and everyone wins.
Simple Ways to Esteem Others Every Day:
· Listen to someone’s story, even if you’re busy.
· Offer help to someone who’s struggling, no matter how small the task.
· Let someone else go first, whether it’s in line or in a conversation.
· Give credit where it’s due—acknowledge the hard work or achievements of others.
· Show compassion—sometimes a kind word or a smile is all it takes.
In short, esteeming others is about recognizing everyone’s worth and acting with humility and kindness. It’s not always easy, but even small steps can make a big difference. As you go through your day, try to look for ways to put others first. You might be surprised at how much joy, peace, and connection it brings—to them and to you.
Blessings!
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