C.S. Lewis says of pride, “There is no fault which makes a man more unpopular, and no fault which we are more unconscious of in ourselves. And the more we have it ourselves, the more we dislike it in others. The vice I am talking about is Pride or self-conceit.”

Sinful pride involves thinking much too highly of oneself and looking down on others. The moment we allow pride to take place in our heart, it becomes a hindrance for love to flow.

Pride has the need to have the final word and believes it is always correct. Pride struggles to forgive because it refuses to see our own mistakes. This lack of forgiveness leads to resentment and bitterness. Pride is always blaming others because it will not take personal responsibility or accept the consequences of our actions. Pride tears others down, but love builds up and encourages others.

When we rid ourselves of pride, and come to Christ with a humble heart, this puts us in the position to love and be loved. The more we humbly accept the love God offers us, the more we are capable of genuinely loving others.

We can let go of pride and experience true love when we accept the fact that without Christ, we are nothing, and all that we are is because of His grace and mercy in our lives. As scripture tells us, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” (James 4:6)

The absence of pride is the key to healthy relationships. Instead of pridefully demanding our own way, love allows us to seek the success and wellbeing of others as well. Love does not constantly draw attention to our own accomplishments or actions, rather it seeks to serve others as Christ calls us to.

Suggested prayer: Dear Jesus, you are the perfect example of how a humble spirit is key in building relationships with others. Being God, you left your throne to come and be in relationship with us. You came to the lost and needy, the broken and weary, and gave hope. Please guard my heart from pride so that your love can flow freely through me to others. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. In Jesus’ name, amen.

1. 1 Corinthians 13:4 (NLT).