Humility.

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 What is humility?

“The quality or condition of being humble; modest opinion or estimate of one’s own importance, rank, etc.” 

 Other definitions of humble include, “not proud or arrogant”, having a feeling of insignificance or inferiority”, and “courteously respectful.”

I love this quote by C.S. Lewis, “Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it’s thinking of yourself less.” Authentic humility isn’t lowering your value and worth to make yourself seem humble, it’s knowing your worth comes from the One who redeemed you so that you can live in freedom by showing that same love to others and humbly putting their needs before your own. This becomes easier when we realize that every person is special because they are created in His image.

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 What does the Bible say about humility?

 “Do nothing from selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.” Philippians 2:3

“Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” 1 Peter 5:5

“The reward for humility and fear of the Lord is riches and honor and life.” Proverbs 22:4

I remember my mom having my sister and I memorize Philippians 2:3 as little girls. It is one of the first verses that comes to mind when I think of the word humility. We live in a world full of selfishness and the desire to gain from others. However, the key word in Philippians 2:3 is consider. To consider someone is to take into account their needs and their desires. Once we do this humility will follow.

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How can we show others humility like the Lord shows us?

I think the greatest example of humility is Jesus. Philippians 2:5-8 says, “Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.”

In order to exude humility we must deny ourselves and our selfish desires and follow Him. Luke 9:23 says, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” 

If you missed the beginning of the Colossians 3:12 word study on compassion you can find it here and kindness here. 

bloom & grow forever,

Madeline Rose