In a recent message I heard, the speaker expounded upon the words admonish, comfort and encourage. He went on further to state the need for the Christian community to employ these three verbs more frequently through our actions, one with another; both by giving and receiving.
As I contemplated what I was hearing, the acronym ACE came to mind, which in turn led me to think upon an ace in a deck of cards that holds the place for both the lowest as well as the highest card in the deck. The ace can be the humblest or the greatest card you hold in your hand, thereby making it a thing of great value.
Likewise, when we admonish, comfort or encourage someone and do it with humility, a lowly, kind attitude our offering is much more likely to be accepted, embraced and valued.
Humility should also be the quality which we employ within ourselves when we are on the receiving end of admonishment, comfort and encouragement. As many of us know it is often harder to receive, even good things, than it is to give them.
Giving and receiving with humility is a card of great value for the Christian though, for humility in the long run builds greatness of character in an unassuming and graceful way. It also builds relationships as people come to appreciate the humble attitude of a servant of Christ, who modeled humility in the greatest form of all.
“Christ who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross! Therefore, God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2:6-11 NIV)
Christ was the epitome of humility and greatest: the perfect example. The lowest and the highest.
Therefore, as the Body of Jesus Christ, here on earth, may we too strive to be both the lowest and the highest, the ace, as we administer as well as accept, admonishment, comfort and encouragement. Three verbs that when put into action with humility have the power to strengthen, build up and empower the Church to be all that God means for her to be.
Prayer: Father God, thank you for the perfect example of humility that Jesus modeled for His children. Open our hearts to be willing to become as nothing, full of humility and grace that Your Church may be the greatest example of love upon this earth that mankind has ever seen. In Christ’s name we pray. Amen.
Lynne Phipps