Choosing the Way of Humble Love

A Reflection on the Second Reading for Sunday, March 29th, 2026:
Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord

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Philippians
​2.6-11

Christ Jesus, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness. And being found in human form, he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death — even death on a cross.

Therefore God highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Pause. Pray. Reflect.

When I first read this passage from Philippians, that Jesus “did not use His equality with God for His own advantage, but emptied Himself and became humble and obedient,” I didn’t really know what to think about it or how it applied to my life.

As a wife, a mother, and a working woman, I often feel empty already. My days are full, my energy stretched between meetings, family schedules, and the quiet responsibilities no one else sees. The idea of “emptying myself” sounded less like holiness and more like exhaustion. But over time, I’ve come to see it differently.

What stands out to me most is that Jesus had every reason to hold onto His power. But He didn’t. He didn’t demand attention or make people serve Him. He chose to be humble because He loved us.

When I think about my own life, I see how I often do the opposite. I want to be right when I argue with my husband. I want someone to notice how hard I worked all day. I get frustrated when my plans get messed up. Deep down, I want to feel seen and appreciated. But most days, following Jesus doesn’t look big or dramatic. It looks simple. It looks like listening to my child, even when I’m tired. It looks like saying sorry first, even when I don’t feel like it. It looks like choosing peace instead of trying to win.

At work, it means asking myself hard questions. Am I trying to help others, or just trying to look good? Am I okay letting someone else get the credit? Is my value based on how well I perform, or on who I am as God’s child?

There is quiet surrender in these moments. A letting go of control, of ego, of the need to prove myself. But I’ve noticed something beautiful: When I loosen my grip, peace follows. 
When I choose humility, relationships deepen. When I trust God instead of insisting on my way, my heart feels lighter.

The passage doesn’t end in sadness or shame. It ends in glory. After Jesus humbled Himself, God lifted Him up.

In my life, that lifting up doesn’t look big or dramatic. It looks like the quiet happiness of a peaceful home. It feels like calm confidence when I know I did the right thing. It’s the stronger love that grows when I choose humility instead of pride.

Empty my heart of anything that keeps me from loving well, 
and fill it instead with Your peace.
May my small, daily surrenders bring You glory.
Amen.




Shelly Fillmore

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