The Bible contrasts the concept of entitlement with humility, teaching that one is not inherently deserving of special treatment, but that all blessings are gifts from God.
I keep myself from being bothered by others who disrespect others. But today I couldn’t ignore it. I asked nicely for my neighbor to stop blocking my driveway, and he began with the insults and hand gestures. I wonder where we went wrong in today’s generation? Law enforcement had to get involved, this was not how I wanted to spend my evening. I wanted to spend a peaceful night out with my husband. He was made to move. But made a point to say he was more important than anyone else.
The biblical perspective on entitlement is rooted in the belief that a selfish or self-centered mindset is contrary to God’s will, and believers are called to consider others more important than themselves. These principles encourage gratitude, service, and humility, with a central example being Jesus’s own sacrifice of His divine rights.
Humility over pride. The Bible consistently warns against pride and a self-centered viewpoint that fosters entitlement.
James 4:6 tells us that “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”
Instead of feeling entitled, we are encouraged to be grateful for what we have.
Scripture teaches that all good things are a gift from God, and what we have is not owed to us but is a result of God’s grace.
Romans 6:23 contrasts the “wages of sin” with the “free gift of God.”
The core principle is to prioritize the needs of others, which directly counters an entitlement mindset.
1 Corinthians 10:24 encourages us to stop looking out for our own interests and focus instead on the people living and breathing around us.
Entitlement perspectives damage relationships because they conflict with the command to love one’s neighbor.
Jesus is presented as the ultimate example of giving up perceived rights for the greater good.
Philippians 2:5-8 describes how Jesus “emptied Himself, by taking the form of a servant…(and) humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death.
We are called to follow His example by choosing to lay down our rights for the benefits of others and God’s glory. But Proverbs 21:23 also highlights the importance of guarding our words to avoid unnecessary conflict and maintain peace.
The Bible teaches that through faith in Jesus, we are not entitled to anything on earth, or a life free of difficulty.
I’ve been praying for wisdom to know how to handle my difficult neighbors. And asking for grace, patience, and a change in their perspective and requesting protection and guidance for my family.
From Pity to Praise 