Saint Paul’s claim that he would rather boast of his weaknesses than his strengths rings a little hollow coming, as it does, after a very impressive cataloging of the sufferings and persecutions that he so courageously endured. But two phrases following this long catalog of heroic endurance reflect the ultimate humility of this great apostle. For, he exclaims: Who is weak and I am not weak? Who is led to sin, and I am not indignant. The fact that Paul’s many trials and sufferings actually deepened his compassion and concern for others when they might have made him feel superior and intolerant is a great witness to a humility born of that memorable encounter with his Lord on the road to Damascus. Although forgiven the great sin of persecuting the early church (and in that, Christ himself) the vivid memory of this sin countered the stirrings of pride and vanity. Remembering our own sins can serve a similar spiritually healthy purpose that evokes gratitude for the sin forgiven and effectively deflates pride in all its stupid manifestations.
Jack Shutack says
St Paul found his strength in the Cross. We should emulate this endeavor.