Rather, in humility value others above yourselves,
Summary: In this passage, Paul challenges us to see things as God sees them.
There is a theme that runs through the Bible that goes something like this:
God’s way is not man’s way.
God’s way is way better.
Man’s way is to look out for ourselves.
God’s way is to look out for others.
Paul echoes this principle in our passage for this meditation — “Rather, in humility value others above yourselves…”
So, how do we do that? The word Paul uses for “humility” offers a clue.
Paul used the word “tapeinophrosýnē” (pronounced “tap-i-nof-ros-oo’-nay”). Thayer’s Greek Lexicon defines this word as “the having a humble opinion of oneself; a deep sense of one’s (moral) littleness; modesty, humility, lowliness of mind.”*
The phrase that catches my eye in this definition is “a deep sense of one’s littleness.”
As a child, I occasionally accompanied my dad when he flew his airplane on weekends. Being in a plane and looking down at people on the ground provided a good illustration of Paul’s meaning.
Flying in the air was a sensory overload in many ways. The noise of the engine, the sound of the air, and the motion of bumping up and down or tipping to one side or the other. Full of these sensations, I was very aware of “me.” At the same time, when we looked at the people below, I was acutely aware of how small everyone else was.
Even when we are walking on the ground, we can imagine how God sees us from heaven. God sees you and me and everyone else all at once. Nothing escapes his notice (Matthew 10:29).
If we can imagine seeing ourselves as God sees us, we begin to have a sense of our own “littleness.” When we realize that God loves all his creation, we understand that he cares for others just like he cares for you and me (Matthew 5:44-45). We become smaller, and everyone else becomes more important.
Application: Practice seeing the world as God sees it.
Food for Thought: How does valuing others above ourselves benefit us?
*”G5012 – tapeinophrosynē – Strong’s Greek Lexicon (niv).” Blue Letter Bible. Web. 17 Jul, 2025. <https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g5012/niv/mgnt/0-1/>.
I think first and foremost, valuing others above ourselves emulates Christ, as He valued us over Himself. In living a life dedicated to Christ, we seek to be more like Him, and truly valuing others above ourselves is a very clear sign that Christ is transforming us.
1 John 2:6 Whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked.
Valuing others above ourselves cultivates within us a life of service and generosity. We are able to live up to the grace we have received thus far.
1 Peter 4:10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace:
Valuing others above ourselves leads to joy and purpose.
Acts 20:35 In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”
I cannot imagine in any way that the fruit of the Spirit can grow in someone who values themselves over others. So to turn that negative into a positive: valuing others above ourselves is fertile ground for the Spirit to work in our lives.
Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
Thank you, Chris!
These words jump out as bordering on profound:
“I cannot imagine in any way that the fruit of the Spirit can grow in someone who values themselves over others.“
Thank You CH!
How does valuing others above ourselves benefit us?
Matthew 20:28, Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.
Mark 10:45, John 13:1-17
We often see ourselves as important and easily fall into the trap of feeling proud of how we look after or care for others placed in our lives by God.
In reality, we are to live our lives in the power of Jesus Christ who is not simply our example but is the power “ Given to us by God “, by which each and every believer receives the ability to function within His will over our own.
Those who puff themselves up have only room in their hearts for themselves, while those who make themselves small will be given the power to accomplish Gods will for those He brings into our lives. It is an honor to be used by God and we should be fighting for the low spot not the high spot.
Called to live knowing we have been saved by God and remain on earth for only one purpose, to allow Him to serve others. As we achieve peace which comes from serving as purposed by God, we are drawn away from the daily ways of this world and into the peace which passes all understanding.
Luke 14:10, But when you are invited, take the lowest place, so that when your host comes, he will say to you, ‘Friend, move up to a better place.’ Then you will be honored in the presence of all the other guests.
Thanks Ron!
“It is an honor to be used by God and we should be fighting for the low spot not the high spot.”
So true! Your post brings to mind Luke 9:48 —
“Then he said to them, ‘Whoever welcomes this little child in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. For it is the one who is least among you all who is the greatest.’”
Thanks for your devotion and the good comments and passages from CH and R2T2.
I have to admit that my first reaction to your question was to laugh a little. It is a good question with good responses, but there is some irony to the question of how valuing others benefits us, especially in the context of this passage. What if it didn’t benefit us? What if it only benefited others? Or the Lord?
Again, it is a good and fair question, but if it didn’t benefit us it would still certainly be in line with the heart of the passage. What if it weren’t about us at all?
I think it definitely benefits us as well described in the other comments. I often find it interesting that I have a hard time not thinking of myself or how something benefits me. To me, this just shows what a challenge this really is.
Thank you, Rich!
You bring an appropriately humble attitude to your answer. In fact, I would suggest that your attitude is part of the answer. Being Christ-like has an eternal benefit that we cannot see or measure in this life. Nonetheless, it is real.
Thank you for continually shining a light on this truth with both your words and deeds!