Introduction
You may have heard the saying, “Humility is not thinking less of yourself, but of yourself less.” This quote is a great way, to sum up the biblical character trait of humility.
In the Bible, humility is often described as having a low opinion of oneself, being lowly in spirit, and being meek. But what does this mean in practical terms? And how can we make sure that we are living with humility?
In this article, we will explore the biblical definition of humility and examine some of its associated characteristics. We’ll also discuss how we can develop a humble heart and put it into practice in our lives.
What Is the Definition of Humility in the Bible?
The definition of humility in the Bible is “to be modest or lowly in spirit.” This doesn’t mean you must act like a doormat or put yourself down. It means you have a healthy self-awareness and understand your place in the world. You’re not above others, and you’re not trying to be someone you’re not.
You’re also willing to admit your mistakes and learn from them. You don’t have all the answers, and you’re not perfect. You’re humble enough to accept help and guidance from others. And lastly, you have a servant’s heart. You’re there to help others, not just yourself.
How Is Humility Expressed in the Bible?
The Bible talks about humility a lot. But what does that mean?
In a nutshell, humility is about putting others first. It’s about being willing to serve and not needing to be the center of attention. It’s also about recognizing our weaknesses and knowing we can’t do it alone.
There are lots of examples of humility in the Bible. One of my favorites is the story of Moses, where he asks God to forgive him for his sin of anger (see Exodus 32:30-32). Moses could have easily justified his outburst and acted like he was above reproach. But instead, he acknowledged his mistake and asked for forgiveness.
That’s the heart of humility—recognizing our failings and shortcomings and being willing to put others first.
Ways That Jesus Exemplified Humility
You already know that Jesus was the epitome of humility. But let’s explore some of the ways He exemplified this characteristic.
First, Jesus always put others. He didn’t care about His comfort or status. He was always willing to serve others, even when it wasn’t popular or convenient.
Second, Jesus was never boastful or arrogant. He was always willing to give credit to others and acknowledge their accomplishments.
Third, Jesus never acted out of pride. He always did what was best for others, even if it meant sacrificing His own reputation or goals.
How Can We Be Humbler in Our Daily Lives?
Now that we’ve looked at some of the critical characteristics of humility in the Bible, you might be wondering how you can bring that same attitude into your daily life. Here are a few tips:
– Start by recognizing that there is always something to learn, no matter our age or station. Humility isn’t about never speaking up; it’s about recognizing that we don’t know it all yet.
- Make time to listen to others, especially those who have different viewpoints than your own. Take the opportunity to ask questions and grow in understanding.
- Take note of moments when ego or pride threaten to take over and strive to respond with humility instead.
- Don’t be afraid to admit your mistakes and apologize when needed. Humility isn’t about living in fear of being wrong; it’s about valuing relationships over pride.
By bringing these principles of humility into your daily life, you can experience newfound peace and joy as you develop deeper relationships with those around you.
Is There a Difference Between Servitude and Humility?
When it comes to humility and servitude, there is a difference. Let’s take a deeper look at this concept. Servitude is often associated with submission, where one puts the needs of another before their own. This type of submission could be seen in the Old Testament, where someone might be in physical servitude to another.
Humility, however, is less about submission and more about an attitude and mindset. It’s not just about serving others but also knowing one’s place in a relationship with God and understanding the importance of valuing others above oneself.
Humility is a form of self-control that grants you freedom from pride and arrogance while enabling you to practice kindness and patience with others—even when they wrong you or take advantage of you.
What Biblical Stories Demonstrate Humility?
Scripture is full of stories of characters demonstrating humility. In Genesis, for example, we see Jacob humbly accepting his brother Esau’s forgiveness. In Exodus, we witness Moses humbly accepting God’s will, even though it meant confronting Pharaoh and leading the Israelites out of captivity. In the New Testament, Philippians tells us Jesus humbly set aside his rights as God’s Son and chose to live among us here on Earth.
Again and again, Scripture shows us examples of characters who acted with humility. Though their circumstances were often demanding or downright difficult, they chose to listen to God and be obedient instead. By doing so, they made room for God’s grace and strength to show up in their lives. We can learn a great deal from their examples of humility!
Conclusion
When it comes to humility, the Bible has a lot to say. But at its core, humility is all about putting others first and having a service attitude. It’s not about thinking less of yourself, but rather, thinking of yourself less.
As you go through life, remember to keep humility in mind. It’s a quality that will serve you well, both in your relationships with others and in your relationship with God.
