Thankfully, as we develop our levels of generosity and gratitude, our level of confidence also rises – which ultimately allows us to better benefit others and even ourselves.

Confidence is obviously not the same thing as arrogance. For arrogance comes from a place of insecurity. It’s an outlook of being better than another, but this need for comparison comes from a place of judgment. Perhaps because we feel judged and insecure. So, comparing ourselves to others to somehow find ways to feel better about ourselves is a pretty shallow mindset to operate by.

Confidence comes from a place of grounding and being aware of our flaws, weaknesses, strengths, and talents. Aristotle, Socrates, and even Calvin all alluded to the power of knowing oneself. It was Calvin who said, “true wisdom comes from two things: knowledge of self and knowledge of God”.

In fact, knowing ourself and how shallow, insecure, and self absorbed we can be is a powerful catalyst in helping us understand our level of depravity without God – how much we need Him, and how much we need His ways over our own. This is confidence we can count on – knowing our reliance is on Him, and trusting in His ways over our own.

This also promotes our spirit of gratitude and generosity. For we understand our roles as being good stewards of His blessings and instruments of distribution for His good works – which most always reflects His kindness in and through us.