Hunger for the Harvest Day 12: Fruit of Humility

With all humility, gentleness, and patience, show tolerance for one another. This is love. Eph 4:2

We might think there is humility in someone who bows downs, lowers their eyes, and waits for instructions, like a servant. But after reading this verse, the more biblical picture God brings to mind for me is someone who stands still, but looks right at me with gentle eyes, a patient mouth, and no judgment in their heart or mind. I feel loved. This kind of humility plants seeds of love that will grow. Humility’s harvest of love is assured.

Our inner self, where stillness and the desire to plant love resides, is now new, spotless, and fresh through His cleansing spirit. He put a new life inside us (2 Corinthians 5:17). That new life has new priorities, new desires, and a new humility towards others.  

So, chosen by God for this new life of love, put on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as Jesus forgave you. Then you will be able to put out love. Colossians 3:12-14 

It might be easy to identify actions you could take to plant love from this list, but what about humility? If we address others in all these ways, we will be practicing humility. And the fruit of all this practice in your life will be a love that saves.

How could we humbly practice each of these things in our life and serve up love for others? 

Compassion: We give away the clothes we love but never wear (Luke 3:11).

Kindness: We find time to provide reliable transportation for those without (Deuteronomy 22:4).

Gentleness: We respectfully share the hope that is within us (1 Peter 3:15-16).

Patience: We keep planting seeds of love, even if we are rejected (Galatians 6:9).

Forgiveness: We don’t count wrongs, but forgive all (1 Corinthians 13:5).

Take some kind of action today. What might it be?

Holy Spirit, speak to me and remind me of the needs of people You put in my path. Practicing Your humility is not easy, so help me to put Your love on others. Amen.