Holy Priest-Martyr Anthimus, Bishop of Nicomedia (303). Our Venerable Father Theoctistus, Fellow-Ascetic of the Great Euthymius (467).
Galatians 5:11-21. Mark 7:5-16.
Read Galatians 5:11-21
St. Paul addresses the ongoing battle between living according to the flesh and walking by the Spirit. Central to this struggle is the influence of the eight evil thoughts, particularly pride. Pride is often the root from which other sins grow, and it can lead us far from the life God intends for us.
Paul’s warning in verse 15, “But if you bite and devour one another, take heed that you are not consumed by one another,” vividly illustrates the destructive power of pride. When pride takes hold, it warps our perspective, making us believe that we are more important than others, that our needs and opinions should come first. This leads to conflict, division, and ultimately, to being consumed by our own arrogance.
Pride, as one of the eight evil thoughts, is especially dangerous because it blinds us to our own faults and inflates our sense of self. It’s not just about thinking highly of ourselves; it’s about losing sight of God and others. When pride rules our hearts, we start to see others as competitors or obstacles rather than fellow children of God. We may hold grudges, insist on our own way, or refuse to acknowledge when we are wrong—all behaviors that can tear relationships apart.
But Paul offers us a different path. He contrasts the destructive effects of pride with the fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These fruits grow in our lives when we consciously reject pride and choose humility. When we focus on loving others as Jesus loved us, we create space for healing and reconciliation.
Consider how much lighter our burdens would be if we let go of pride. When we practice humility, we find it easier to forgive, to be patient, and to offer kindness even in difficult situations. This is the life that Jesus calls us to—a life rooted in love and service, not in self-importance.
Jesus taught us the greatest commandments: to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind, and to love our neighbor as ourselves. This love requires us to set aside pride and embrace humility. It’s a challenge, but it’s also the way to true freedom and peace.
As we reflect on Paul’s words, let’s take a moment to examine our own lives. Are there areas where pride has taken root? Are there relationships that need healing because of our pride? The good news is that God’s Spirit is always ready to help us grow in love, humility, and all the fruits of the Spirit. Let’s commit to walking in the Spirit, allowing God’s grace to transform our hearts and to mend the divisions caused by pride.