Humility
Humility is a virtue that is highly valued in the Bible. The Bible says that humility should be a part of our daily lives. Humility is an important aspect of Christian living because God requires us to be humble in order to properly worship Him and serve others.
The book of Proverbs describes humility as a virtue that should be practiced. Proverbs 15:33 says, “The fear of the Lord is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility”. This verse shows that humility should be sought before any form of honour.
Humility is described in James 4:6-7 as, “…God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble. Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you”. The Bible also encourages us to adopt a gentle and humble heart so that God can work through us to heal broken relationships and build bridges with others.
The Bible holds humility in high regard, but it doesn’t just endorse getting “humble-brags”, where someone claims to be humble but is really trying to brag. In Luke 18:14 it says, “I tell you that this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for everyone that exalts himself shall be abased; and he that humbles himself shall be exalted”. This passage reinforces how humility is a virtue that should be sought after, rather than any kind of false humility.
The Bible also speaks about the dangers of pride and how it separates us from God. In Proverbs 16:18 it says, “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall”. This shows that pride will lead us down a path of destruction rather than success.
Humility in Relationships
Humility is also essential in relationships. The Bible speaks to the importance of humbly loving each other in 1 John 4:7-8, which says, “Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loves is born of God, and knows God. He that loves not knows not God; for God is love”. This passage shows the importance of humbly loving each other and understanding that it is a that concept that binds us together and brings us close to God.
The Bible also recognises the importance of humbly avoiding any form of favouritism in relationships. James 2:1-9 says, “My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons. For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment; And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool”. This shows the importance of being humble, treating everyone with love, respect and dignity, regardless of their background or where they come from.
Humility and Pride
The Bible also speaks to the importance of humbly deny ourselves and our own pride. In Matthew 16:24-25 it says, “Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it”. According to this passages, humility is something that needs to be consciously cultivated in order to follow Jesus and live a life of purpose.
The Bible also speaks to the importance of humbly serving in relationships, rather than using our position to gain power and authority. In 1 Peter 5:5-6, it says, “Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resists the proud, and gives grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time”. This passage emphasises the importance of humbly submitting to God, and not allowing yourself to be lifted up in pride.
Humility and Self-Control
Humility is also about self control, which is something that the Bible speaks about often. James 1:19-20 says, “Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: For the wrath of man works not the righteousness of God”. This passage highlights the importance of being humble and patient in order to remain self controlled.
The Bible also speaks to the importance of humbly taking the high road and controlling our speech. Proverbs 29:20 says, “Seest thou a man that is hasty in his words? There is more hope of a fool than of him”. This highlights the consequences of not controlling our tongue and instead speaking without thinking first. It also implies that taking the time to be humble before speaking is more admirable than rashly responding.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Bible speaks to the importance of humility in Christian living. Humility is something that should be actively sought after and practised in order to properly worship and serve God. Humility helps us be loving and respectful towards others, deny our own pride and remain self controlled. The Bible is clear that humility is a virtue that should be cultivated and embraced.
