Topical Encyclopedia
In the context of biblical teachings, the term "condescending" can be understood as an attitude or behavior where an individual perceives themselves as superior to others, often leading to patronizing or demeaning interactions. This concept is addressed in various passages of Scripture, where humility and the proper treatment of others are emphasized.
Biblical Perspective on Condescension:1.
Humility vs. Pride: The Bible frequently contrasts humility with pride, warning against the dangers of a condescending spirit.
Proverbs 16:18 states, "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall." This verse highlights the peril of pride, which often manifests as condescension, leading to one's downfall.
2.
Jesus as the Model of Humility: Jesus Christ serves as the ultimate example of humility, despite His divine nature.
Philippians 2:5-8 illustrates this: "Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross." Jesus' willingness to humble Himself and serve others stands in stark contrast to a condescending attitude.
3.
The Call to Humility: Believers are called to emulate Christ's humility.
Romans 12:3 advises, "For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but think of yourself with sober judgment, according to the measure of faith God has given you." This instruction encourages self-awareness and humility, discouraging condescension.
4.
Interpersonal Relationships: The Bible provides guidance on how to interact with others, emphasizing love and humility.
Ephesians 4:2 instructs, "Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love." This verse underscores the importance of humility and patience in relationships, countering any tendency toward condescension.
5.
Warnings Against Partiality: Condescension can also manifest as partiality or favoritism, which is explicitly condemned in Scripture.
James 2:1-4 warns, "My brothers, as you hold out your faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, do not show favoritism. Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in shabby clothes also comes in. If you lavish attention on the man in fine clothes and say, 'Here is a seat of honor,' but say to the poor man, 'You must stand,' or, 'Sit at my feet,' have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?" This passage highlights the sin of partiality, which often stems from a condescending attitude.
6.
The Role of Servanthood: True greatness in the kingdom of God is defined by servanthood, not superiority.
Mark 10:43-45 records Jesus' teaching: "But it shall not be this way among you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be the slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many." This teaching directly opposes a condescending mindset, promoting service and humility instead.
In summary, the Bible consistently advocates for humility and servanthood, warning against the dangers of pride and condescension. Believers are encouraged to follow Christ's example, treating others with love, respect, and humility.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
p. pr. & vb. n.) of Condescend.
Library
Part 1Condescending Grace. Psa. 138:06:00
... HYMNS AND SPIRITUAL SONGS IN THREE BOOKS. HYMN 31 PART 1Condescending grace. Psa.
138:6. CMCondescending grace. Psa.138:6. When the Eternal bows the skies....
Christ's Transfiguration
... to be brought nearer heaven, that his mind might be better prepared for those great
manifestations, which an infinitely great andcondescending God intended to...
To the Reader. Christian Reader
... shalt perceive the inconceivable fitness and fulness of Christ as a Saviour, and
his never enough to be admired tenderness andcondescending willingness to...
The Way to God
... another. Man was a happy creature, God was acondescending Creator, and
the two met together and held sweet converse and communion....
Humility
... and gay, healthy and civilized likewise"and in the midst of it, the Maker of all
heaven and earth sitting in a poor fisher's boat, andcondescending to tell...
John v. 23, 24
... suspicion, both in this place and in what follows by fear and by promises of blessings
removing their jealousy of Him, and then againcondescending greatly in...
The Talking Book
... Now the word of God has thecondescending habit of talking to men, speaking personally
to them; and herein I desire to commend the word of God to your love....
The Talking Book
... Now, the word of God has thecondescending habit of talking to men, speaking personally
to them; and, herein, I desire to commend the word of God to your love....
The Eternal Manhood
... me, Satan.' Get thee away, thou accusing devil, who art accusing my Lord to me,
and trying to make me fancy him less loving, lesscondescending, less tender...
The Covenant Promise of the Spirit
... I cannot help adding here that it is a verycondescending word""I will put my spirit
within you." Is it really so, that the Spirit of God who displays the...
Thesaurus
Condescending (3 Occurrences)...Condescending (3 Occurrences).
... (WEY). 2 Samuel 22:36 And thou didst give me the shield
of thy salvation, And thy
condescending gentleness hath made me great.
...Condescension (2 Occurrences)
... (n.) The act ofcondescending; voluntary descent from one's rank or dignity in
intercourse with an inferior; courtesy toward inferiors. Int....
Lovingkindness (176 Occurrences)
... When used of God checedh denotes, in general, "the Divine Lovecondescending to
His creatures, more especially to sinners, in unmerited kindness" (Delitzsch)....
Gracious (106 Occurrences)
... or bestowing mercy; characterized by grace; beneficent; merciful; disposed to show
kindness or favor;condescending; as, his most gracious majesty....
Condescend (1 Occurrence)
Grow (139 Occurrences)
... 2 Corinthians 8:9 For you know thecondescending goodness of our Lord Jesus
Christ--how for your sakes He became poor, though He was rich, in order that you...
Goodness (83 Occurrences)
... 2 Corinthians 8:9 For you know thecondescending goodness of our Lord Jesus
Christ--how for your sakes He became poor, though He was rich, in order that you...
Judicial (2 Occurrences)
... a harem; must not multiply riches; must be a defender of the national religion;
must be guided by law, not whim; must be gracious andcondescending to the...
Law (670 Occurrences)
... a harem; must not multiply riches; must be a defender of the national religion;
must be guided by law, not whim; must be gracious andcondescending to the...
Resources
What does the Bible say about dealing with difficult people? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are the roles of the husband and wife in a family? | GotQuestions.orgWhy is the science community so opposed to creationism? | GotQuestions.orgCondescending: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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