Friday, August 13 I am the least of the apostles, and I am not worthy of being called an apostle, because I persecuted the congregation of God.​—1 Cor. 15:9.

[Áine]

Friday, August 13

I am the least of the apostles, and I am not worthy of being called an apostle, because I persecuted the congregation of God.—1 Cor. 15:9.

 

People who appear confident or forthright are not necessarily proud. (John 1:46, 47) Yet, whether we are outgoing or not, all of us must work at developing a humble heart condition. Consider the example of the apostle Paul. He was used mightily by Jehovah to establish new congregations in one city after another. He may even have accomplished more in the ministry than any other apostle of Jesus Christ. Yet, Paul did not elevate himself among his brothers. He correctly attributed his fine standing with Jehovah, not to his own qualities or works, but to God’s undeserved kindness. (1 Cor. 15:10) What a fine lesson in humility Paul gave in his letter to the Corinthians—especially when we recall that some men in the congregation were seeking to prove themselves to be superior to Paul!—2 Cor. 10:10. w19.09 3 ¶5-6

[Sister Twister]

After  being a such an opposer to Christians Jehovah saw something good in Paul , something that he could use . Jehovah could see Paul had the beautiful quality of humility .  
 

Haughtiness is like poison. The effects can be devastating. It is a quality that can render the most gifted human useless to God. Humility, on the other hand, can make even the least one very useful to Jehovah. . . . [He] will . . . delight in rewarding you for your humility.”* Really, could we hope for anything better than to bring joy to Jehovah’s heart?—Prov. 23:15.

Edited August 13, 2021 by Sister Twister

[Amygdala]

8 minutes ago, Sister Twister said:

Haughtiness is like poison. The effects can be devastating. It is a quality that can render the most gifted human useless to God.

Great point!

[Vinnie]

What wonderful things will Jehovah use you for? Nothing unless you are humble . The Apostle Paul is an excellent example of one who humbled himself under the mighty hand of God.

[Elnathan]

Paul accomplished more in his ministry & was used to form new congregations but he continued to do things with lowliness of mind. He even considered himself as the least of the Apostles & not worthy to be called one. 

This is a lesson to all of us especially brothers. They imitate Paul by avoiding prideful spirit, of thinking that he’s the one who is the most qualified for a certain assignment. We must always remember that if we are truly useful to Jehovah, our humility should exceed our ability. 

[PolitePerscription]

Forgive my ignorance, I'm just a bit confused. I hope this isn't going off too much of a tangent.

As our rewarder, Jehovah repays acts of faith. (heb 11:6)
But what's the difference between undeserved kindness - which is "given unearned and unmerited, motivated solely by the generosity of the giver" (glossary), and what's brought out at Heb 11:6 & even Heb 6:10?
Is there even a difference?
We as imperfect sinful humans who misses the mark everyday, are not and should not feel *entitled* to getting something from Jehovah. This is the thinking I've had up to this point but I'm not getting a satisfying connection.

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[Amygdala]

It's a good question, and something someone brought up to me recently to me, too. I was told that in someone's former church, the idea is that if you pray enough God will reward you, but in the material sense - as in riches, babies, a prosperous life. The subject of being rewarded means "blessings". The more faith, the more "blessings" or material gains. Maybe a good topic starter?