In 1 Corinthians 13, the Apostle Paul lists another thing that love is not: proud. But can’t pride be a good thing? Isn’t it great to hear parents say, “I’m so proud of you” to their kids? Don’t we like to be recognized by our coworkers for our hard work? Why, then, does Paul specifically tell us that love is not proud?

It is one thing to be proud of someone else and their accomplishments, but self-pride means being too focused on ourselves. This keeps us from recognizing what other people have done to serve us and others. When we are proud, we can only see our own value, our own needs. It is easy to start believing that we have done things for ourselves, without the help of anyone else. In truth, we are always being lifted up by others, and God gives us our abilities and opportunities. All success is built on a team beyond ourselves.

The most humble people I know are proud of other people and they are grateful to God. They know that anything they have done is not because of them. Instead, they look outward, at the God-given gifts and abilities of others around them. This is why love is not proud. Love that comes from God requires an acknowledgment of the importance of others. When others feel seen and appreciated, then they feel loved. Spreading the love of God means looking beyond ourselves and showing gratefulness for others.This is Luis Palau.