Articles, Bible Questions and Discipleship Guides

Humility is the recognition of our own limitations, weaknesses, and dependence on God. The Bible teaches that humility is not only a virtue to be admired but also a vital characteristic for spiritual growth, healthy relationships, and pleasing God.

CLICK HERE or on the image to open the infographic.

What is Humility?

One of the most well-known passages about humility is found in the book of Micah, where the prophet says, "He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?" (Micah 6:8, ESV). This verse emphasizes that humility is an essential aspect of our relationship with God and our responsibility towards others.

Jesus, our ultimate example of humility, teaches his disciples about the importance of humility in Matthew 20:26-28: "But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." These verses illustrate that true greatness lies in humble service and selflessness.

Cultivate Humility

So, how can we develop the biblical quality of humility in our own lives? Here are a few tips:

1. Recognize our dependence on God: Acknowledge that we are finite beings in need of God's guidance, strength, and grace. Proverbs 3:5-6 encourages us to "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding."
2. Embrace a teachable spirit: Be open to learning from others, valuing their perspectives, and accepting constructive criticism. Proverbs 12:15 reminds us, "The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice."
3. Serve others selflessly: Seek opportunities to serve and uplift others without expecting anything in return. Philippians 2:3-4 urges us, "Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others."
4. Practice gratitude: Cultivate a heart of gratitude and thankfulness towards God and others. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 instructs us to "give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."
5. Guard against pride: Be vigilant against the destructive nature of pride, which opposes humility. Proverbs 16:18 warns, "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall."
6. Be willing to apologize and seek reconciliation: Humility enables us to admit our mistakes, seek forgiveness, and work towards reconciliation. James 4:10 advises, "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you."
7. Practice active listening: Give genuine attention to others and strive to understand their viewpoints and experiences. James 1:19 reminds us, "Let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger."
8. Celebrate the accomplishments of others: Rejoice in the successes and achievements of others, rather than harboring jealousy or envy. Romans 12:16 encourages us to "live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight."
9. Seek solitude and reflection: Take time to reflect on your thoughts, actions, and motives, inviting God to reveal areas where humility is needed. Psalm 139:23-24 says, "Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!"
10. Pray for humility: Ask God to cultivate humility in your heart, to transform your character, and to help you walk in humility daily. James 4:6 assures us, "But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, 'God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.'"

Humility is a biblical quality that is crucial for our spiritual growth, relationships, and alignment with God's will. By recognizing our dependence on God, embracing a teachable spirit, serving others selflessly, practicing gratitude, guarding against pride, seeking reconciliation, practicing active listening, celebrating the accomplishments of others, seeking solitude and reflection, and praying for humility, we can develop this important virtue. Let us follow the example of Jesus, who humbly served others and ultimately gave His life as a ransom for many. May we strive to walk in humility, honoring God and loving others with a servant's heart.

Prayer and Reading Guide for Developing Humility

Here are ten things people could pray for to develop humility, along with a corresponding Bible verse from the English Standard Version (ESV):

1. Pray for a heart that recognizes God's greatness:
   "Who is like you, O LORD, among the gods? Who is like you, majestic in holiness, awesome in glorious deeds, doing wonders?" - Exodus 15:11
2. Pray for a spirit of submission to God's will:
   "Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done." - Luke 22:4
3. Pray for a humble and contrite heart:
   "The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise." - Psalm 51:1
4. Pray for the ability to see ourselves accurately:
   "For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned." - Romans 12:3
5. Pray for a servant's heart:
   "For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." - Mark 10:45
6. Pray for the strength to put others first:
   "Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves." - Philippians 2:3
7. Pray for the ability to forgive others:
   "Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you." - Ephesians 4:32
8. Pray for a humble attitude towards learning and growth:
   "Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid." - Proverbs 12:1
9. Pray for the wisdom to listen and learn from others:
   "Let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger." - James 1:19
10. Pray for a heart that seeks God's guidance and direction:
    "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." - Proverbs 3:5-6

In conclusion, by praying for a heart that recognizes God's greatness, a spirit of submission, a humble and contrite heart, accurate self-perception, a servant's heart, the ability to put others first, the strength to forgive, a humble attitude towards learning and growth, the wisdom to listen and learn from others, and a heart that seeks God's guidance, we can develop and cultivate humility in our lives. Let us approach God with sincerity, seeking His transformational work in us as we strive to walk humbly with Him and serve others with love and grace.