Today I’m going to focus on a chunk of verse 5: “it is not self-seeking.” This simple phrase packs a powerful punch. You might be thinking: I get it, Savannah, the Bible doesn’t want me to be prideful. Well, yes, that’s true. But there’s something much deeper here. 

 

Why does the verse specifically mention pride? Because pride is excess love—that is, too much love for oneself. Pride prevents us from loving others well, and this whole passage is about good, healthy love. If we give ourselves too much love, what are we going to give to the people around us? Exactly. Too much love for oneself usually means not enough love for everyone else. This is not to say that self-love isn’t important (because it is)! However, I’ve come to realize that God wants me to give love to myself and even more love to those around me. Pride is simply stealing love that I could be giving to other human beings. 

 

James 4:10 tells us: “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.” Humility is the mechanism through which we love well. This verse is a reminder to save some love for the people around you, because, let’s face, we all could use a little more love.