So someone who is seen as humble can often be mistaken for being passive or insecure. But this isn't true. Genuinely humble people are typically genuinely confident people.

The qualities of a confident person are shockingly similar to that of humble people:

• They put others first
• They listen well
• They are curious
• They accept and seek out help

Focus Passage:

1 Peter 5:6-7  Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

Main Takeaways:

• Early Christians were seen as outsiders in their society and described as aliens and strangers, and that was a compliment.
• When we face persecution, bullies, or circumstances that are difficult we can cast (throw our worries) our cares on Jesus
• Worry and anxiousness are sinful
• When we take a humble position and release our cares to the Lord, Jesus is released to work powerfully through us.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus,

Forgive us our pride when we worry and show a lack of trust in your love for us. Give us the power to overcome what we face. Help us to develop a humble spirit and release our anxious thoughts to you. And we ask when we face persecution that we would remember it only lasts for a moment, but joy comes in the morning. We ask these things in Jesus' mighty name.

Amen.

Resources:

Qualities of humble people - https://www.forbes.com/sites/jeffboss/2015/03/01/13-habits-of-humble-people/?sh=28132e7949d5 

Roman religious practices -

https://www.pbs.org/empires/romans/empire/worship.html#:~:text=Roman%20religion%20involved%20cult%20worship,to%20offer%20prayers%20and%20sacrifices.