Something personal I've been learning... something I thought all who know Christ can reflect on. The Lord has given us gifts, some have of one kind and some people have others, but all have spiritual gifts.
Those gifts are to help others in the body of Christ and not ourselves though we get joy out of using them. Its God's way of helping us to love each other - we are equal and are a part of each other. When the toe is stubbed, the rest of the body knows it!

Recently, I tried to love on someone by using God's gift. Its not that I didn't pray about it but the person just didn't accept it from me. That hurts.

Then I thought of my own behavior when others try to use the gifts God has give to them, on me. When a friend tried to help me carry something but my pride says 'no' because 'I can carry it by myself'. Another time, when a friend came along side me with discernment and wisdom, I took it badly and reject their advice too quickly. Though really, I was blind to my flaw that they were lovingly pointing out.

I could see clearly how I am not encouraged to use my gifts when others respond badly (that's against me - of course I see that first off). But its the same thing that I'm doing to them when I respond badly, I don't encourage them to use their gifts.

I'm in the wrong when I do that. Not only because I'm acting according to my pride but more so because I'm teaching those around me, by example, that its ok to do that to others - to my brothers and sisters in the Lord. We really all do hurt when one is hurt.

Why do we stub the toe onpurpose? It hurts!