Have you ever said or done something that hurt someone else, and refused to apologize even when you knew you were in the wrong? I’m guilty of that. For some reason it’s far easier to be prideful, than it is to practice humility and tell someone that you’re sorry, and you were wrong. Pride is self-seeking, self-elevating. It’s acting superior. You feel above others. You’re above apologizing, even. It’s selfish, and it’s ugly.

Humility is the opposite of pride. Humility brings intimacy, and I’m not talking about sexual intimacy, but something far greater, and necessary in relationships. Emotional intimacy. There is nothing more difficult for me than setting aside pride, and allowing myself to be emotionally intimate with God, my husband, anyone really. When we refuse to set our pride aside, not only are we putting up a barrier between us and everyone else, but we are hindering any chance of personal growth, and therefore growth in our relationships. Pride prevents us from feeling fulfilled, content, and loved.

Silencing the pride is a constant battle, but it’s rewarding. Watching how others interact with you, as you are growing, is exciting. Seeing your relationships grow, and deepen, is intoxicating. I promise you, that putting in the work to be more humble is worth it. The more intimate I am with God, the more intimate I am with my husband, my family. I feel less burdened, less lonely, and more loved. I want you to feel this way, too.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.