According to the meaning given by the world, the word “humility” frequently connotes low self-esteem. But the biblical meaning of humility involves gaining confidence from God, who appreciates and loves you more than you do. It involves placing more stock in what God says about you than in what anybody else may think. Accepting who you are in Christ over who you are in the flesh is necessary.
Being so unconcerned with your ego that you unreservedly raise people around you is what it means to be biblically humble. Furthermore, humility is the virtue that gives birth to all other positive virtues. Being teachable and modest are synonymous. If you are humble, you are willing to learn how to be friendly and patient, and most importantly, you are ready for God to change you.
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What Is Humility?
Given that it comes from the Latin term humus (earth), it seems to go against how we currently value self-worth and self-realization. But meekness or weakness has nothing to do with humility. Additionally, it does not imply submission or selflessness.
Understanding our place in the greater scheme of things leads to a mindset of modesty known as humility. It requires us not to take ourselves, our goals, or our failures too seriously. A more humble attitude[1] improves our psychological health overall and ensures social functioning. It is the ideal remedy for the self-obsessed mindset of our day.
A humble mindset significantly enhances our cognitive, interpersonal, and decision-making abilities. Our capacity and desire to learn are intimately correlated with our level of humility. People with this trait are better problem-solvers and learners.
People frequently ask what humility is or what it means to be humble. In the Bible, modesty or humbleness refers to the trait of showing people respect and consideration. Aggression, arrogance, boastfulness, and vanity are all opposed to it.
What Is Humility Meaning In The Bible?
In the Bible, humility is characterized as meekness, lowliness, and selflessness. We can understand that it is a heart attitude and not only an outward demeanor. The Greek word is translated as “humility” in Colossians 3:12, and in other places truly means “lowliness of mind.”
Even if one appears humble on the outside, their heart may be filled with pride and arrogance. Jesus claimed that the kingdom of heaven would belong to people who are “poor in heart” (Matthew 5:3). Being poor in spirit means that individuals who openly acknowledge their complete spiritual bankruptcy are the only ones who will be given eternal life. So, for Christians, humility is a requirement.
We must approach Christ as sinners with humility. We admit that all we have to give Him is our sin and our need for salvation. We are paupers and beggars. We are aware of our inadequacy and total incapacity to save ourselves. Then, when He extends His compassion and mercy, we gratefully embrace it and dedicate our lives to serving Him and others.
Biblical humility is required for greatness in the kingdom and entrance into the kingdom. The humble Christian should be prepared to set aside all selfishness and surrender in obedience to God and His Word, just as the humble Jesus was constantly obedient to the Father. Godliness, contentment, and security are the results of genuine humility.
What Is The Importance Of Humility?
Being humble is an ultimate example of having the self-worth to realize that, even when you succeed, you do not need to boast or gloat about it. It’s crucial to maintain your humility since it affects how you see yourself and the world around you.
Humility not only helps you interact with people more kindly. Natural law dictates that if we submit to God’s mighty hand in humility, He will grant us the grace we need to live a truly Christian life and exalt us in His time.
One might show greater empathy and compassion for others when they are humble. Humility increases one’s propensity to take into account the ideas and beliefs of others. This is most likely due to the possibility that humility provides to become less self-absorbed and more sensitive to others’ sentiments.
Because humility enables one to see areas where they might improve themselves logically, it also aids in developing self-growth and self-awareness. It can help in the development of a more profound and enlightened perspective on the world and what is going on in it.
Being humble enables you to deliberately recognize your value in this world while acknowledging the many other people who share your mission. A religious virtue is humility. Humility, good health, religion, and spirituality all have a correlation.
2 Things Everyone Should Know About Humility
In contrast to the arrogant, God has vowed to show grace to the humble (Proverbs 3:34; 1 Peter 5:5). Humility in the Bible means we must be honest and suppress our pride. Exalting ourselves conflicts with God, who will humble us out of grace and for our welfare.
Submission Is What Humility Entails, But Not Groveling
Submission and modesty go hand in hand. As Christians, we are commanded by God’s word to submit to one another in humility. “In the same way, you younger people, respect your elders. Yes, you should all submit to one another and dress in humility because God opposes the haughty but exalts the lowly” (1 Peter 5:5–6).
We can foster harmony and peace among others by submitting to authority and covering ourselves with humility. We should not be so arrogant and self-righteous that we reject advice or correction. We should also not believe that our ideas and opinions are always superior to others. Such ways of thinking will not bring about advancement or unity in Christ.
Being humble and submissive does not entail that we should prostrate ourselves before anyone. He was quite clear when Paul stated that we should serve God and God alone. He says, “For do I now convince mortals, or God? Or do I want to win over men? Because I wouldn’t serve Christ as a bondservant if I continued to please people” (Galatians 1:10).
While it’s vital to be submissive, with criticism and low self-esteem, Christians are also called to live their lives in a way that pleases God. We must respect Him and obey His commands. Our primary goal should be to submit to God’s will and live and breathe in obedience to His commands, not to try to satisfy the demands and expectations of others.
When We Are Humble, We Make Use Of Our Skills And Abilities
“Because of the grace bestowed upon me, I urge everyone in your group to think critically and to each think according to the degree of faith that God has given them” (Romans 12:3). Being modest is having a realistic perspective about oneself.
This implies that we do not praise our abilities and successes. We must be humble and put our pride aside. Exalting ourselves conflicts with God, who will humble us out of grace and for our welfare. However, God gives us more grace and exalts us if we humble ourselves.
However, this does not imply that we should disregard the abilities that God Himself has given us. God desires to do a massive and life-changing job in and through us. He has given us our skills and abilities, and He purchased us with the priceless blood of His Son, Jesus Christ (1 Peter 1:18–20).
Each of us should be conscious that God wants to be able to utilize us for His glory and His purpose. We demonstrate humility by using our skills and abilities under God’s guidance and leadership and giving Him recognition and praise for what is accomplished through and through our life.
As each of you has received a gift, share it as responsible stewards of God’s abundant favor. If someone speaks, let him do so as God’s prophets. To the extent that anybody can minister, let him do it in a way that glorifies God through Jesus Christ, to whom the glory and the dominion belong forever and ever. Amen” (1 Peter 4:10–11).
2 Things Everyone Should Know What Humility Is Not
Humility Does Not Equate To Being Self-Hatred
Selfish ambition or self-punishment are not characteristics of true humility. It says, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” not “Hate yourself; love your neighbor as yourself.” Self-hate is wicked, the same mindset as hatred of others (just as suicide is a form of murder).
Many people in our society have feelings of humiliation, inadequacy, and low self-worth. Such emotions must be clearly distinguished from the intention of humility. Whatever humility asks of you will never deprive you of your worth as a bearer of God’s image.
Humble people do not see anything wrong with their existence. They do not see themselves as destroying everything they come in contact with or wasting the space they occupy. They can move around the world with ease and a spring in their step.
Humility Does Not Equate To Hiding
Not disguising your skills and abilities is being humble. The death of this lustful, self-referential paradigm is humility. It entails respecting your contribution to the world along with all of its other positive aspects.
Being proud of your accomplishment and able to talk freely about it while being three times as proud of your colleague’s work is what is meant by humility. Being such a person is a joy and a form of freedom rather than a burden.
Conclusion
The epitome of humility is revealed in the Christian faith, specifically in Jesus’ incarnation and, to a lesser extent, in His death and burial. “He humbled himself by being obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross, after being discovered in human form” (Philippians 2:8).
Jesus was the most humble person who has ever lived. The ultimate descent is from crucifixion to heaven. But even for Jesus, joy and glory were reached through humility. Therefore, humility does not involve hiding your talents or disliking who you are. It is the satisfaction of thinking more about Jesus and less about yourself.
