Lessons of Faith from Joshua - Sabbath School Lesson 11 - Friday Further Thought
Choosing Humility Over Suspicion
Paul’s instruction in Philippians 2:3—“count others more significant than yourselves”—cuts straight through one of the most damaging habits in Christian community: assuming the worst about one another. When we begin from a posture of humility, we stop viewing people as threats, rivals, or disappointments and start seeing them as precious image bearers whom God treasures. Humility slows down our rush to judgment and resets our hearts to consider that maybe the story is bigger than what we see.
Surmising evil about a brother or sister usually grows out of pride. Pride whispers that we know someone’s motives, that our interpretation must be right, or that their behavior confirms our assumptions. But when we intentionally “count others more significant,” we willingly step off the judge’s bench. We choose to believe that God is at work in them just as He is at work in us. This posture opens the door for grace, patience, and honest conversation instead of suspicion.
Scripture gives us other anchors for this mindset. First Corinthians 13:7 reminds us that love “believes all things,” meaning it leans toward trust and charity rather than cynicism. James 1:19 urges believers to be “quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger,” a rhythm that keeps us from forming hard conclusions without seeking understanding. These verses together nudge us toward a community shaped by gentleness, truth, and a willingness to give each other the benefit of the doubt.
When we practice Paul’s admonition, we make space for peace instead of discord. We build bridges rather than walls. And slowly, our relationships begin to reflect the humility of Christ—the One who knows our faults perfectly and yet treats us with boundless mercy.
Prayer:
Lord, give me a humble heart that sees others the way You see them. Guard me from rushing to judgment or assuming the worst about my brothers and sisters. Teach me to listen well, love generously, and honor others above myself. Let the spirit of Christ shape my thoughts, my words, and my relationships today. Amen.
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