Humility in the Bible

Humility consists in sincerely acknowledging our entire dependence on God and in esteeming others with love. Jesus himself invites his disciples: 'Learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart' (Matthew 11:29). Scripture teaches that 'God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble' (1 Peter 5:5). Far from being a weakness, humility is the path to true greatness in the kingdom of God, for whoever humbles himself will be exalted. It is not to be confused with a low self-image; rather, it places one's gaze at the right height: God first, others next, oneself last. The apostle Paul exhorts in Philippians 2:3 to do nothing 'from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.' The supreme model remains Christ, who 'humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross' (Philippians 2:8). James 4:10 sums up the promise attached to this virtue: 'Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.' These verses invite the believer to live with a humble heart, like that of Christ, renouncing pride and exalting God rather than self. Humility thus draws divine grace and faithfully reflects the character of the Savior.