The Mirror of the Word and other works by C.E. White can be purchased on her website, cewhitebooks.com or on Amazon

“Far be it from me to boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus.”

—Galatians 6:14

Paul is referencing those things we tend to wear proudly as badges of honor for our Christian faith. In his day, it was being circumcised versus being uncircumcised. Today, it may be something like, “I go to church every week,” or “I never cuss,” or “I’ve never___________” (fill in the blank) that makes us feel spiritually superior. 

But to do this is to live like the Pharisees, taking joy in others’ weakness. It makes us feel good to think we are better than them—“thank you that I am not like other people” (Luke 18:11–12).

This attitude cripples love. As long as we continue this way, we cannot truly wish for others’ good, because to raise them up means we have less to feel good about within ourselves.

When we take our eyes off ourselves and put them on Christ, remembering his sacrificial love—that “while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8)—then we can truly love others the same way, wishing for their greatest good.

It’s freeing to boast only in the cross; our self–image is no longer defined by comparing ourselves to other people, whether good or bad. Whatever earthly advantages or disadvantages we may have, we are all equal before the cross.

We recognize that he is the reason for anything in us worth boasting of, so we point to the source, and we are then free to love as he loves.

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