You know people like this. As you start to share your story, their minds are only half-listening, just waiting for the moment to share their own better-than-yours story. They can be sad/sadder stories OR good/better stories OR funny/funnier stories. It doesn’t matter. What matters is that that person’s story tops yours in some way.
I imagine the people who lived in Corinth were like this. One-third of all the references of the word “boast” in Scripture can be found in Paul’s two letters to the Corinthians. His many comments on boasting can be summed up like this:
- Love doesn’t boast. But if you must boast, let it be about the Lord or about your weaknesses in which the Lord’s power is glorified.*
Can you top that? 😉
*Therefore, as it is written: “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 1:31
*Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 1 Corinthians 13:4
*But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 2 Corinthians 12:9
Yes, I do know some people who are like that. I have a hard time being around them.
Loved this–especially the pictures. Great message as always.
Yes, sadly I do know people like this. I love Paul's words that you shared: "Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord."
I may not be the best, funniest, smartest, richest, but I know the One who is… the King of Kings, Lord of Lords, Alpha and Omega, the Great I Am.
Happy Friday,
Kelli
That's just funny! And a great application from it. Yes, I have met people like that. I always feel like I'm not really a participant in the conversation.
We once heard a speaker say you should try to be the host in a conversation. I never thought of practicing hospitality in that way, but I guess you can translate the "others first" attitude into any scenario.
Great post, my friend!
Waving and grinning,
Rhonda
Hi Susan –
Thanks for the chuckle and gentle poke. 🙂
Blessings,
Susan
good one Susan!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!