Which other scriptures emphasize humility as a key Christian virtue? Setting the Stage with Luke 18:14 “ ‘I tell you, this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.’ ” (Luke 18:14) Humility Echoed in the Hebrew Scriptures • Micah 6:8 – “He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?” • Proverbs 22:4 – “The rewards of humility and the fear of the LORD are wealth and honor and life.” • Proverbs 11:2 – “When pride comes, disgrace follows, but with humility comes wisdom.” • Psalm 25:9 – “He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them His way.” • Isaiah 57:15 – “I dwell in a high and holy place, but also with him who is contrite and humble in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and revive the heart of the contrite.” Jesus Models and Commands Humility • Matthew 5:3 – “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” • Matthew 11:29 – “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” • Matthew 18:4 – “Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” • Matthew 23:12 – “For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” • Luke 14:11 – “For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” The Apostles Teach Humility to the Church • Romans 12:3 – “Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but think of yourself with sober judgment.” • Ephesians 4:1-2 – “Walk in a manner worthy of the calling… with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love.” • Philippians 2:3-8 – “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves… Christ Jesus… humbled Himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross.” • Colossians 3:12 – “Clothe yourselves with hearts of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.” • James 4:6 – “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” • James 4:10 – “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you.” • 1 Peter 5:5-6 – “Clothe yourselves with humility toward one another… Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, so that in due time He may exalt you.” Putting It Into Practice • See God’s favor: He “gives grace to the humble.” • Adopt Christ’s mindset: He “humbled Himself” and became a servant. • Serve quietly: greatness in God’s eyes often looks like child-like dependence and unnoticed service. • Stay teachable: humility invites guidance—He “teaches the humble His way.” • Expect God’s timing: “In due time He may exalt you,” not on the world’s schedule but on His. |
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