Love Is Not Proud (2)
Scripture Reading — 1 Cor. 13:4e; Luke 7:1-10
"Lord, don't trouble yourself, for I do not deserve to have you come under my roof."
— Luke 7:6
In Proverbs 29:23 we read, "A man's pride brings him low, but a man of lowly spirit gains honor." This truth is magnificently illustrated in our story today about the centurion.
A centurion was a Roman military officer with a hundred soldiers under his command. A soldier who rose to the rank of centurion possessed many outstanding qualities. He was able to inspire the respect and obedience of the men under his command, and he was proven to be steady and reliable in battle. He was expected to hold his ground and die at his post, if necessary. The centurion in our story was also a man of great compassion, for he valued his servant highly and asked Jesus to heal him. The local Jewish elders pleaded with Jesus to heal the dying servant: "This man deserves to have you do this, because he loves our nation and has built our synagogue."
But despite his military achievements, his compassionate heart, and his generous spirit, this centurion was not puffed up with pride. He approached Jesus in a spirit of utter humility: "Lord, don't trouble yourself, for I do not deserve to have you come under my roof... But say the word, and my servant will be healed." In addition to granting the centurion's request, Jesus commended this man as a person of great faith. What an honor!
Heavenly Father, continue to pour your love into my heart and mind so that I may cultivate a spirit of humility in all I say and do, in Jesus' name. Amen.
About the author — Richard E. Williams
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