Tag: humility

The Transformative Power of Gratitude: A Thanksgiving Reflection

On By Naty MatosIn ThriveLeave a comment

As Thanksgiving approaches, we often find ourselves reflecting on the blessings of the past year. But what if gratitude went beyond the dinner table and transformed our very way of living? In this episode of Thrive by the Rising Muse, Naty and Veda explore the profound impact of gratitude when it is intertwined with grace and mercy.

We are reminded that true gratitude isn’t just about acknowledging what we have; it’s about letting that thankfulness change how we see and treat others. They discuss the importance of extending grace, even when it’s inconvenient, and how this can lead to deeper, more meaningful relationships.

The episode delves into the concept of grace—giving others what they don’t deserve—and mercy—refraining from giving them what they do deserve. Naty shares personal stories that highlight the power of these virtues in transforming lives and fostering compassion.

Listeners are encouraged to let their gratitude be visible, to let it sound like grace, and to let it move like mercy. We’re challenged to embody the love and compassion that Thanksgiving represents, not just during the holiday, but every day.

This Thanksgiving, let’s make a conscious effort to let our gratitude transform us. By embracing grace and mercy, we can create a ripple effect of kindness and compassion in our communities. Tune in to this inspiring episode and discover how you can make your gratitude truly transformative.

Subscribe now to Thrive by the Rising Muse for more insightful conversations.

Overcoming Pride and Staying Grounded in Faith

On By Naty MatosIn Inspirational ThoughtsLeave a comment

Pride is a subtle yet powerful force that can creep into our lives, affecting our relationships and spiritual well-being. As Christians, it’s essential to recognize the dangers of pride and strive to stay grounded in our faith. Proverbs 16:18 warns us, “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.” Let’s explore how we can overcome pride and maintain humility in our daily walk with God.

Understanding Pride

From a Christian perspective, pride is an excessive focus on oneself, often leading to arrogance and self-sufficiency. It’s the opposite of humility, which is a key virtue in the Christian faith. Pride can damage our relationship with God and others, making us less receptive to guidance and correction. James 4:6 reminds us, “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” Recognizing the destructive nature of pride is the first step towards overcoming it.

Biblical Examples of Pride

The Bible provides numerous examples of pride and its consequences. One of the most notable is Lucifer, whose pride led to his downfall (Isaiah 14:12-15). Another example is King Nebuchadnezzar, who, in his arrogance, boasted about his achievements, only to be humbled by God (Daniel 4:28-37). These stories serve as powerful reminders of the dangers of pride and the importance of humility.

Staying Grounded in Faith

To overcome pride, we must actively cultivate humility and stay grounded in our faith. Here are some practical steps to help us do that:

  1. Acknowledge Our Dependence on God: Recognize that every good thing comes from God and that we are dependent on His grace and mercy (Philippians 2:3-4).
  2. Serve Others: Engage in acts of service and kindness. Serving others helps shift our focus away from ourselves and fosters a spirit of humility (Micah 6:8).
  3. Seek Accountability: Surround yourself with fellow believers who can offer guidance, support, and correction when needed.
  4. Stay Teachable: Be open to learning and growing, allowing God to mold you into His likeness.

The Role of Prayer and Scripture

Prayer is a powerful tool in combating pride. When we pray, we acknowledge our need for God’s help and guidance. Jesus taught us to pray with humility and sincerity (Matthew 6:5-6). Additionally, immersing ourselves in scripture helps us stay grounded. Psalm 119:105 says, “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” Regularly reading and meditating on God’s Word reminds us of His greatness and our dependence on Him.

Conclusion

Overcoming pride is a continuous journey that requires vigilance and reliance on God. By seeking humility and staying grounded in our faith, we can avoid the pitfalls of pride and grow closer to God. Remember, true greatness comes from serving others and recognizing our dependence on Him. Let’s strive to live humbly, seeking His guidance in all we do.

Practicing humility

On By Naty MatosIn Inspirational ThoughtsLeave a comment

humility In Romans 12: 14-16 we get a lesson on how to be with others regardless of how they treat us.

14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position.[c] Do not be conceited.

When we read this we know in our gut that is no easy task. We tell others what we know. We repeat the right words practicelike a chant, but in the actual day to day is a different story. Be honest with yourself, how loving and blissful are you in your commute? How forgiving with that parent that yelled at your kid at the game.

Living in harmony is everyone’s wish. But when that neighbor’s visitor always parks in front of your house, or their dog eats your most precious flowers, you’re not really in a blessing mode. Still, God calls you to be.

The words, “we are all created equal” is not true at the end of the day. We are all unique and different. Our society has decided on how we are to be categorized. We are not created equal but to God we are all of same value. Think about this: a quarter is 25 cents, 5 nickels are also 25 cents; not equal but of same value. So when we meet other people that society has categorized as lower than us because they haven’t have access to the things that we have financially, emotionally, education or spiritually, don’t look at them as less but treat them with respect. Know that their value is the same as yours and that you are in their lives to be of service.

humility-and-mind-up-jan-2013-10-638Believe it, at the end of the day, you will learn that you are more blessed by them than whatever you were able to do for them.

 

Until then, be blessed!