Humility is a truly great characteristic which all Christians should strive to obtain.  It is a freedom from conceit that grows out of the recognition that all we have and are, and ever hope to be comes from God.

            The Greek philosophers despised humility because it implied inadequacy and worthlessness to them.  However, Jesus is the supreme example of humility (Matt. 11:29; Mark 10:45; John 13:4-17), and He is completely adequate and of limitless nobility and quality.  Biblical humility is an exalting or praising of others, especially God and Christ (John 3:30; Phil. 2:3). A humble person focuses more on God and others than on one’s self.

            Biblical humility is also a recognition that by ourselves we are inadequate, without dignity and worthlessness. Yet, because we are created in God's image and because believers are “in Christ”, we have infinite worth and dignity (1 Cor. 4:6-7; 1 Pet. 1:18-19). True humility does not produce pride but gratitude. Since God is both our Creator and Redeemer, our existence and righteousness depend on Him (John 15:5; Acts 17:28).

            HUMILITY  (Heb. `anawa, "gentleness, affliction," also from `ana, "to be bowed down"; Gk. tapeinophrosune, "lowliness of mind,"; praotes, "gentleness"). Humility in the spiritual sense is an inborn grace of the soul that allows one to think of himself no more highly than he ought to think (Eph. 4:1-2; Col. 3:12-13; Rom. 12:3).  The exercises of humility are first and particularly toward God (James 1:21).  It requires us to feel that in God's sight we have no merit and in honor prefer others to ourselves (Prov. 15:33; Rom. 12:10). It does not demand undue self-depreciation but rather lowliness of self-appraisal and freedom from conceit. The Greek term praotes, "gentleness" (rendered "meekness" in KJV) expresses a spirit of willingness and obedience and a lack of resistance to God's dealings with us. But humility must also be expressed towards those who wrong us, in order that their insults and wrongdoing might be used by God for our benefit (Acts 20:18-21). It is commanded by God )Col. 3:12) and is essential to discipleship under Christ (Matt. 18:3-4).

            Let us all pray for humility on a regular basis and strive to follow the Holy Spirit’s guidance that we might be spoken of as a humble person!

 

KYOWVA  Evangelistic Association * 1541 S. 7th St. * Ironton, OH 45638

Web Page: kyowva@sbcglobal.net *Email: kyowva@sbcglobal.net
 Free Bible Courses Upon Request