Is there a Positive Side to Pride?

When I remember what is important, I know that family and friends are high on anyone's list. We value them, simply because they love us. Unique expressions of that love come in living gestures. A smile, a look, or phone-call are just everyday things. But, if they come from our intimate loved ones—nothing's as special.

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
Philippians 4:8 NIV

My daughter had the honor of singing the national anthem tonight at a minor league baseball game. I couldn't have more proud. I know the word pride or proud sets off alarms in my word of God soaked brain. It brings sh-reeks and brakes and everything comes to a halt. I have to judge what is meant by that. However, even in the bible I've seen few, but just a few positive uses or connotations of pride. Believe me there are plenty of evil mentions of pride through out the word, so hope I don't confuse anybody. And, don't forget it's the original sin, before the garden sin. Yet, for a moment explore the positive side of pride, as mentioned in the bible.

Here they are:

I am talking to you Gentiles. Inasmuch as I am the apostle to the Gentiles, I take pride in my ministry in the hope that I may somehow arouse my own people to envy and save some of them.
 Romans 11:13-14 NIV

We are not trying to commend ourselves to you again, but are giving you an opportunity to take pride in us, so that you can answer those who take pride in what is seen rather than in what is in the heart.
2 Corinthians 5:2 NIV

I have spoken to you with great frankness; I take great pride in you. I am greatly encouraged; in all our troubles my joy knows no bounds.
2 Corinthians 7:4 NIV

Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else,
Galatians 6:4 NIV

Well, I could go on, there are more. But, hopefully, I made my point.

Here is a definition out of a bible dictionary.

“Pride.

A reasonable or justifiable self-respect: The apostle Paul expresses a positive kind of pride when speaking of confidence in Christians (2 Cor 7:4) or of strength in the Lord (2 Cor 12:5, 9).

This is not the whole definition of pride as defined, just it's positive side.

Its negative side is all over God's word, and sweeps across and harms everything and everyone in it's sinful negative uses.

But, tonight friends and family gathered around to support one of their own. She is a young sister in Christ that loves to sing. And, tonight, she honored our county, and gave God glory by using her God-given talent for something good.

Thinking on the purity of a humble heart serving, is a lovely thing. She served, and we were blessed. ... whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.


She exhibited these qualities tonight.

If your family does something praiseworthy—encourage them in their service or gift. Service is a blessing from God, and remember showing honor to those doing so is kindness. And, kindness is an evidence of bearing fruit in the Spirit. Read Galatians 5 to find out more.

And, thanks you for reading. I've used this medium for an outlet, I pray it is never for vanity. And, it is a love-labor. It's joyous to do, but watching reader numbers go up and down is like riding a roller coaster --the one at the kiddie park, not the big ones. My grammar skills are lacking, and my editing eye misses things. So, forgive my mistakes. But, most of all, give glory to God in everything.