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DON’T HAVE CONTEMPT “When wickedness comes, so does contempt, and with shame comes disgrace.” –Proverbs 18:3 The American Heritage Dictionary defines contempt as “the feeling with which a person regards anything considered mean, vile, or worthless; disdain; scorn.” Other words used to describe contempt are words like dishonor, disrespect and condescension. How about plain ole “nasty?” All these words describe an attitude that is too often communicated by our body language, tone of voice, and yes, even the words we use. The problem is that this expression of contempt reveals a heart of pride and self-righteousness. Romans 12:10 gives us the opposite of contempt “Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.” The ability to show honor requires a heart of humility, that is a heart that esteems others more highly than self. Humility is not thinking lowly of oneself, for we are created in the image of God and through His righteousness we have every reason to think highly of ourselves. But a heart of humility esteems others even more highly! When we esteem others more highly it is reflected in our body language and our tone of voice, even the look in our eyes. All that we are says “I love you; I value you” Contempt is an attitude that communicates just the opposite. It looks down on others, and says, “I can’t stand you; I’m better than you.” Instead of edifying one another with mutual honor and respect, contempt has the effect of degrading each other. Instead of building a relationship we find ourselves tearing one down. Contemptuous words diminish everyone’s sense of self-worth, and the relationship dissolves little by little. Call it negative energy if you will (Dare I risk sounding new age-ish?) Either way, God tells us contempt accompanies wickedness. We should want no part of it. Relationships cannot grow in an atmospheres of contempt. The antidote is humility, honor and grace. Nothing else will do. Question For The Both of Us: Do we tend to respond to each other with contempt? Sometimes? Most of the Time? All the time? When do we find that we are most likely to show contempt? Prayer For the Both of Us: Lord, help us to put away the sin of contempt, pride and self-righteousness. Help us to be humble of heart, esteeming others more highly than ourselves. Help us to value one another highly and let that be reflected in our outward expression. |
© 2007 Marriage & Family Savers Ministries