Does everyone remember the question I like to ask when I am here with you? Here it is:
Who loves you?
Jesus loves me!
That was loud enough for the person next to you. Now let’s say it even louder—so your parents can hear it, your neighbors can hear it, and everyone in town knows it!
Who loves you?
Jesus loves me!
Amen!
I want you to know something very important: Jesus loves you.
And when we forget that love, we sometimes look for other things to make us feel special. One of those things is pride—and that’s what I want to talk about today.
Today we remember a wise and holy man named St. Bernard of Clairvaux. He taught that when we think we’re better than others or deserve more, it’s like climbing a ladder made of pride. But real joy comes from humility—knowing that God loves us just the way we are.
Let’s learn about three big words: pride, envy, and humility.
Pride
There’s a good kind of pride—like being proud of your hard work, good grades, or helping others. That’s great!
But there’s also a bad kind of pride. That’s when we think we’re more important than other people.
We might say, “I should get more!” or “Why didn’t I get the best?”
That kind of pride can make us miss the love others are trying to give us.
Envy
Envy is when we feel sad because someone else got something good.
We might think, “I wish that was mine,” or “That’s not fair!”
Envy makes it hard to be happy for others—and it can hurt our hearts.
Humility
Humility means knowing we are loved by God no matter what.
We don’t have to be the best or have the most.
We can say, “Thank you,” and “I’m happy for you!”
Humility helps us see the good in others and share joy.
The Bible teaches us:
“God gives grace to the humble.” (James 4:6)
“Love does not envy, it does not boast.” (1 Corinthians 13:4)
Jesus told a story about workers who all got the same pay, even though some worked longer. Some were upset, but Jesus said:
“Are you envious because I am generous?” (Matthew 20:15)
God wants us to be humble—not to feel small, but to know we are loved.
He wants us to be kind—to celebrate others’ gifts, not feel bad about them.
I want to share a story from my senior year in high school.
Each football player had a secret cheerleader who gave gifts. Mine gave simple, handmade things. Others got big, fancy gifts and lots of praise.
Even though I was a good player and going to college for football, I felt jealous. I thought, “Why not me?”
At the end of the season, I met my cheerleader—a shy freshman who gave what she could. I didn’t say thank you. I said, “You could’ve done better.”
Her face looked so hurt. She gave me love, and I didn’t see it.
Because of my pride and envy, I hurt her. I hurt myself. And, I hurt Jesus.
Let’s ask Jesus to help us be humble and kind.
Dear Jesus,
Help me say thank you.
Help me be happy for others.
Help me see love, even when it’s small.
Take away pride and envy from my heart.
Amen.
Who loves you?
Jesus loves me!
Amen
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