Topical Encyclopedia
Definition:Self-assertiveness refers to the quality of being confidently self-assured and forcefully expressing one's own opinions or rights. In a biblical context, self-assertiveness can be seen as both a positive trait when aligned with God's will and a negative trait when it leads to pride or rebellion against God.
Biblical Context:The Bible provides numerous examples and teachings that touch on the concept of self-assertiveness. It is important to discern when self-assertiveness aligns with godly confidence and when it crosses into sinful pride.
Positive Aspects of Self-assertiveness:When self-assertiveness is rooted in faith and obedience to God, it can be a virtue. For instance, the Apostle Paul demonstrates a form of godly self-assertiveness in his ministry. He boldly proclaims the gospel and defends his apostolic authority, not for personal gain, but to fulfill God's calling. In
2 Corinthians 10:8, Paul states, "For even if I boast somewhat excessively about the authority the Lord gave us for building you up rather than tearing you down, I will not be ashamed."
Similarly, Esther's courage to approach King Xerxes without being summoned, risking her life to save her people, is an example of self-assertiveness used for a righteous cause (
Esther 4:16).
Negative Aspects of Self-assertiveness:Conversely, self-assertiveness becomes problematic when it leads to pride or defiance against God. The account of King Uzziah illustrates this. Uzziah's self-assertiveness turned into pride, leading him to unlawfully enter the temple to burn incense, an act reserved for priests. As a result, God struck him with leprosy (
2 Chronicles 26:16-19).
Proverbs 16:18 warns, "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall." This highlights the danger of self-assertiveness when it is driven by pride rather than humility and submission to God.
Teachings on Humility and Submission:The Bible consistently teaches the importance of humility and submission to God's will.
James 4:6 reminds believers, "But He gives us more grace. This is why it says: 'God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.'" Self-assertiveness should be tempered with humility, recognizing that all authority and strength come from God.
Jesus Christ is the ultimate example of humility and submission.
Philippians 2:5-8 describes how Jesus, though being in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but humbled Himself, becoming obedient to death on a cross. His life and sacrifice exemplify the balance between confidence in one's divine mission and submission to the Father's will.
Conclusion:In summary, self-assertiveness in the Bible is a complex trait that can be either virtuous or sinful, depending on its motivation and alignment with God's purposes. Believers are encouraged to exercise confidence in their faith while maintaining humility and submission to God's authority.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
a.) Disposed to self-assertion; self-asserting.
Library
Woman's Calling. November 17.
... and to teach him what? To temper his fiercer, coarser, moreself-assertive nature
by the contact of her gentleness, purity, self-sacrifice....
The First Word
... We must recall, from a former address, the distinction which we then drew between
the animal in us, with itsself-assertive instincts, and the Divine in us...
The Meek.
... The meek man of the Bible is simply what we call the gentle-man"the man without
swagger or arrogance, notself-assertive or forthputting, but honorable and...
Being Easily Entreated
... When a spiritual man is compelled to defend his rights, he will do it in a meek
and quiet way, a way that has in it nothing offensive orself-assertive....
The Lone Man who Went Before
... Our Lord Jesus chose to live this life. There was an entire absence of the
self-spirit, that is theself-assertive, the self-confident spirit....
John the Beloved
... By nature he had serious defects. He was not only proud,self-assertive, and
ambitious for honor, but impetuous, and resentful under injury....
The Suffering Servant-I
... Our tastes are debased. Flaunting vulgarities andself-assertive ugliness captivate
vulgar eyes, to which the serene beauties of mere goodness seem insipid....
Growing up into Christ
... loveliness of character. He was not onlyself-assertive and ambitious for
honor, but impetuous, and resentful under injuries. But as...
Vii
... of that Church on the part of the Reformed communions of the West"and surely that
may be attained; but we must look beyond theself-assertive Roman Church...
The one Thing to Aim At.
... It thinks, then it feels, then it knows, with a peculiar quality ofself-assertive
certainty, that after all it is the light that lighteth every one that is so...
Thesaurus
Self-assertive (1 Occurrence)Self-
assertive. Self-abasement,
Self-
assertive. Self-avenger . Noah Webster's
Dictionary
... Multi-Version Concordance
Self-
assertive (1 Occurrence).
...Jealous (43 Occurrences)
... Love knows neither envy nor jealousy. Love is not forward andself-assertive,
nor boastful and conceited. (Root in WEY NAS RSV)....
Boastful (18 Occurrences)
... and kind. Love knows neither envy nor jealousy. Love is not forward and
self-assertive, nor boastful and conceited. (WEY RSV). 2...
Conceited (14 Occurrences)
... 1 Corinthians 13:4 Love is patient and kind. Love knows neither envy nor jealousy.
Love is not forward andself-assertive, nor boastful and conceited. (WEY)....
Self-abasement (2 Occurrences)
Self-abasement. Self, Self-abasement.Self-assertive . Noah Webster's Dictionary...
Self, Self-abasement.Self-assertive . Reference Bible.
Self-avenger (2 Occurrences)
Self-avenger.Self-assertive, Self-avenger. Self-complacency . Multi-Version
Concordance... (YLT).Self-assertive, Self-avenger. Self-complacency ....
Boast (86 Occurrences)
... Love knows neither envy nor jealousy. Love is not forward andself-assertive,
nor boastful and conceited. (Root in WEY RSV NIV)....
Jealousy (54 Occurrences)
... 1 Corinthians 13:4 Love is patient and kind. Love knows neither envy nor jealousy.
Love is not forward andself-assertive, nor boastful and conceited. (WEY)....
Forward (252 Occurrences)
... 1 Corinthians 13:4 Love is patient and kind. Love knows neither envy nor jealousy.
Love is not forward andself-assertive, nor boastful and conceited. (WEY)....
Resources
What does the Bible say about assertiveness? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about self-gratification / self-pleasure? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about self-pity? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus
