When we respond to others, it helps to be mindful of how we like to be treated after we say something; usually our strongest desire is for others to give weight to our words. Likewise, when others speak we can honor them by giving weight to their words in our response. We deem their words important and we let those words influence us when appropriate. This shows that we value them and indirectly shows that God values them since Christ’s character is presumably flowing through us.
More specifically, if they are offering comfort or help to us, then we are to receive it with humility. This shows them that we value what they are giving, and it affirms that we value our relationship with them. Consider how you feel when you try to help someone and they will not receive it; it feels like you hit a wall. Therefore, it is important to ask yourself if you resist accepting help from others. If so, is this not a form of pride? Are you not indirectly saying that you do not need them? Doesn’t this interfere with the community that God is trying to develop, and with the kind of relationships that you would like to have?
Leaders are especially susceptible to this fault though it is self-centered and ultimately destructive. Instead, if someone offers comfort, then we need to humbly accept it as one who needs comfort regardless of who we are. In other words, we should acknowledge that we are not self-sufficient and need others. If they present an idea that is new information to us, then we humbly accept it as a student who still has much to learn. Even Jesus “grew in wisdom” (Luke 2:52, NIV). Thus, offers of help from others are opportunities to embrace humility with our words, especially if we are in a leadership role. Humble receptivity strengthens bonds, but resistance breaks them. Many marriages are harmed by a spouse who will not cheerfully receive help from the other. Many churches are harmed by pastors who do not express willingness to receive advice or help from staff or members of their congregation because they prefer not to appear needy. Even the Apostle Paul often recognized his need for encouragement from others; let us do likewise.
