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b'A few summers ago, my husband and I were invited to an outdoor wedding. The reception was in a barn, and the summer humidity was at full strength, so we assumed attire would be casual. I wore a sundress, and my husband wore a polo shirt and khakis. We were wrong about the dress code\\u2014evening gowns and tuxedos surrounded us. Our outfits were the one sore spot at a black-tie wedding. It was humiliating!\\nNo one likes to be humiliated. But we are called to live in humility. And the word \\u201chumility\\u201d comes from the same root as \\u201chumiliation.\\u201d Jesus wasn\\u2019t afraid to risk humiliation. Because He loves us so much, He became human and died a humiliating death on the cross, taking the punishment for our sins. His humility led to His victory over sin and death when He resurrected from the dead, securing our resurrection when He returns to restore creation and right every wrong.\\nUntil that day, because sin and brokenness have corrupted God\\u2019s good world, we live in a state of division. We live polarized from our fellow humans. Many of us find it challenging to engage in conversations with people who come from different backgrounds or who have different experiences. But how can we love others if we can\\u2019t humble ourselves enough to listen to what they have to say? How can we seek justice if we are too afraid to risk humiliation?\\nHumbling ourselves starts with knowing we need Jesus no more or less than others do. Scripture illustrates how humility is necessary for healing. In 2 Chronicles 7:14, God gives Solomon four steps for leading the land toward healing: humility, prayer, seeking God\\u2019s face, and turning from wickedness. This call for humility is not an isolated suggestion. In Micah 6:8, the prophet Micah tells the people to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God.\\nWe humble ourselves so God\\u2019s grace may prevail and His grace to us can overflow to others. We humble ourselves by setting aside our own opinions and desires long enough to listen well and love others. If we want to see healing and reconciliation in our world, we can\\u2019t be afraid to follow Jesus by humbling ourselves\\u2014even to the point of humiliation. \\u2022 Becca Wierwille\\n\\u2022 How was Jesus humiliated? Why was He willing to be humiliated\\u2014for us? (See our \\u201cKnow Jesus\\u201d page.)\\n\\u2022 In light of this, how might listening and empathizing come more naturally to us? \\nDo nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves. Philippians 2:3 (NIV)\\n\\xa0\\nRead Verses:\\nExodus 6:1-8; 7:1-5; 12:12-13'