A Sober View of Your Own Strengths
Written for Bible Journey Plan. Our editorial standards.
For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.
Romans 12:3 KJV
An ability can become a source of pride when we forget that other people contribute in ways we do not easily measure. The spouse who handles numbers may dismiss relational care. The spouse who speaks easily may overlook careful work done quietly.
Think soberly about your strengths. Use them gratefully, recognize their limits, and remain willing to learn. Skill in one area does not give a person superior judgment about every part of married life.
Notice the abilities your spouse brings. Ask for their perspective where it is useful and give honest credit for the contribution. A shared decision often improves when neither person feels required to be the expert on everything.
Paul places gifts under grace. They are entrusted for service, not supplied as reasons to look down on others. Let that truth make competence more generous. You can be capable without being difficult to correct. A marriage benefits when strengths are offered as resources for the household rather than displayed as evidence that one person should always have the final word.
Keep the passage in context
Paul warns against thinking more highly of oneself than one ought and calls for sober judgment. Gifts are received by grace within the body of Christ.
Read further: Romans 12 in the King James Bible.