Humbleness

Humbleness or humility is one of the mother values of Christianity. Jesus Christ teaches that “He who is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whoever exalts himself will be abased, and he who humbles himself will be exalted” (Matthew 23:11). The Bible also says that God “gives grace to the humble” (Proverbs 3:34). The Lord Jesus also set us the example of humbleness when he washed the feet of the apostles (John 13 : 12-17) and He also reminds us that He came to serve and not be served saying, “whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave— just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20: 26-28). The humbleness of God is beautiful because it shows his amazing grace and his great love for humanity. He, the almighty and unlimited, humbled Himself for humans, who are weak and limited, and He associated with them.

The characteristics of a humble person are gentleness and quietness. The humble person stays away from anger and arguments. He or she doesn’t judge others. The humble person regrets greatly when he or she has done something wrong and apologizes quickly. The humble person focuses on his or her own mistakes not the mistakes of others. He or she doesn’t criticize much. The humble person has love and seeks the good of everyone. Humility involves simplicity. It involves listening more than talking, never boasting or elevating oneself or self praising. Humility involves being content and thankful. It involves treating all people equally and being respectful. The humble person doesn’t seek fame or attention. The humble person is strong and can endure suffering.

When serving God, the humble person says, as John the Baptist did “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30). The humble say “Not to us, Lord, not to us but to your name be the glory (Psalm 115:1). The aim of the humble is not to be praised or honored, but rather to do good by obeying God and helping people. The humble cheerfully sacrifices time and comfort in serving God and people. The humble follow the teaching of the Holy Bible which says “Honor one another above yourselves.” (Romans 12:10).

All people make mistakes and commit sin but when the humble person sins, he or she becomes aware of his or her weaknesses and acknowledges them. The humble person realizes that he or she may err at anytime just like any other human being. When the humble sin, they are full of regret and repent quickly. They gain spiritual experience and knowledge and become careful with their words, thoughts and actions so as not to sin again. The humble don’t makes excuses for their mistakes or sins and don’t think of themselves as special. They are not proud or arrogant. They remember the words of the Holy Bible “Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.” (1 Corinthians 10:12) and also “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” (Proverbs 16:18).

Therefore the spiritual person gains humility through his or her faults. Through humility, he or she is sympathetic towards other people and doesn’t judge or criticize them because he or she remembers their own failures and that all people have weaknesses. Through humility, the spiritual person looks within and focuses on his or her weaknesses and by doing so is able to overcome them. And in finding his or her strengths or talents, the spiritual person uses them to glorify God and help others. In humility, he or she relies on God’s help in everything and prays as the Bible says, “Hold me up and I shall be safe.” (Psalm 119:117).

With regard to the Christian value of humility, the Holy Bible also says the following: