Humility is a central virtue in the Christian faith, often depicted as a key characteristic of those who enjoy the presence of God. The Bible consistently highlights the importance of humility, portraying it as a quality that draws individuals closer to God and aligns them with His will.

Biblical Definition and Importance

Humility, in the biblical sense, is the quality of having a modest view of one's own importance. It involves recognizing one's dependence on God and submitting to His authority. The Scriptures emphasize that God favors the humble, as seen in James 4:6, "But He gives us more grace. This is why it says: 'God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.'"

Examples of Humility in Scripture

1. Moses: Moses is often cited as a paragon of humility. Numbers 12:3 describes him as "a very humble man, more so than any man on the face of the earth." Despite his leadership role, Moses consistently sought God's guidance and relied on His strength rather than his own.

2. David: King David, despite his royal status, demonstrated humility before God. In Psalm 51, David expresses deep repentance and humility after his sin with Bathsheba, acknowledging his need for God's mercy and forgiveness.

3. Jesus Christ: The ultimate example of humility is found in Jesus Christ. Philippians 2:6-8 describes how Jesus, "being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness." Jesus' life and sacrificial death exemplify perfect humility.

The Blessings of Humility

Those who possess humility are promised the presence and favor of God. Isaiah 57:15 states, "For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: 'I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly, and to revive the heart of the contrite.'"

Humility opens the door to a deeper relationship with God, as it aligns the believer's heart with His purposes. The humble are more receptive to God's guidance and are better able to experience His peace and joy.

Humility in Practice

Practicing humility involves a conscious effort to put others before oneself and to seek God's will above personal desires. It requires a willingness to serve and to acknowledge one's limitations. Colossians 3:12 encourages believers to "clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience."

The Role of Humility in Prayer and Worship

Humility is essential in prayer and worship, as it positions the believer to approach God with reverence and sincerity. In 2 Chronicles 7:14, God promises, "If My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land."

Conclusion

Humility is a foundational virtue for those who seek to enjoy the presence of God. It is through humility that believers can experience the fullness of God's grace and draw nearer to Him. The Bible consistently affirms that God honors and blesses the humble, making it a vital aspect of the Christian life.Isaiah 57:15
For thus said the high and lofty One that inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Of Sloth
... hell inconceivable pains and torments, or to enjoy with the ... But if a man do good
without humility, it shall ... into evil; for many there are who have done works ...
/.../ugolino/the little flowers of st francis of assisi/chapter vi of sloth.htm

Begins to Treat of the Union of the Soul with God in Prayer. How ...
... Him with a single heart and with humility, and should ... Canticles, which you will remember
to have heard: 'The ... here, how God makes the soul enjoy His presence in ...
/.../teresa/the interior castle or the mansions/chapter i begins to treat.htm

On the Feast of St Paul the Apostle
... No one can enjoy the Presence of God, and His ... a painful life in this world, I have
also ordained the ... himself, and yields himself up in all humility, and until ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tauler/the inner way/sermon xiii on the feast.htm

Letter xv. --Trials to be Endured Peacefully.
... to compel you to lay a foundation of humility in your ... others, to trust in Him
unreservedly, to have recourse to ... that the least repose of heart we enjoy in His ...
/.../de caussade/abandonment to divine providence/letter xv trials to be endured.htm

Continues the Same Subject, Explaining by a Comparison in what ...
... desire to please God and to enjoy His presence ... His own choice, into which we have
no right ... what I advised in the preceding mansions, then"humility, humility! ...
/.../teresa/the interior castle or the mansions/chapter ii continues the same 2.htm

Describes the Hideous Appearance of a Soul in Mortal Sin as ...
... take you now, you would never again enjoy the light of ... As I have spoken more fully
in other writings [57 ... that results from ignoring the need of humility and self ...
/.../teresa/the interior castle or the mansions/chapter ii describes the hideous.htm

The Twenty-First Chapter: Above all Goods and all Gifts we must ...
... that I neither have free access to You nor enjoy the sweet ... tears and the desire of
your soul, your humility and contrition of heart have inclined Me ...
/.../kempis/the imitation of christ/the twenty-first chapter above all.htm

Letter ix. --The Love of Creatures and of God.
... it would be much better, as I have already told ... in an interior silence of respect,
humility, submission, and ... always anxious to feel and to enjoy; this cannot be ...
/.../abandonment to divine providence/letter ix the love of creatures.htm

The Difference Between the Outward and Inward Man.
... passive; of Perfect Resignation, Inward Humility, Divine Wisdom ... 4. These Souls have
already procured themselves a ... Divinity; so much as they enjoy, they forget ...
/.../chap i the difference between.htm

Doing Glory to God in Pursuits of the World.
... it, he will not on that account enjoy His presence ... 4. True humility is another principle
which will lead us ... gird Himself, and serve them who have watched for ...
/.../newman/parochial and plain sermons vol viii/sermon xi doing glory to.htm

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