Humble-mindedness is a virtue highly esteemed in the Christian faith, characterized by a modest view of one's own importance and a willingness to submit to God's will. This quality is often associated with humility, meekness, and a contrite spirit, and it is considered essential for a faithful walk with God.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible frequently emphasizes the importance of humble-mindedness. In the Old Testament, the prophet Micah encapsulates this virtue in 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?" This passage highlights that walking humbly with God is a fundamental requirement for His followers.

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ exemplifies humble-mindedness. Philippians 2:5-8 instructs believers to adopt the mindset of Christ: "Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, existing in the form of 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. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross." This passage underscores the depth of Christ's humility and His willingness to serve and sacrifice for humanity.

The Role of Humble-mindedness in Christian Life

Humble-mindedness is crucial for spiritual growth and maturity. James 4:6 states, "But He gives us more grace. This is why it says: 'God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.'" This verse indicates that God favors those who are humble, offering them grace and support. Similarly, 1 Peter 5:5-6 advises, "Young men, in the same way, submit yourselves to your elders. And all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, 'God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.' Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, so that in due time He may exalt you."

Humble-mindedness also fosters unity and peace within the Christian community. Ephesians 4:2-3 encourages believers to "be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace." This passage highlights the role of humility in maintaining harmony and love among believers.

Practical Expressions of Humble-mindedness

Practically, humble-mindedness can be expressed through service, submission, and a teachable spirit. Jesus taught His disciples the importance of serving others in John 13:14-15 : "So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example so that you should do as I have done for you." This act of service is a powerful demonstration of humility and a call for believers to serve one another selflessly.

Moreover, humble-mindedness involves recognizing one's limitations and being open to correction and guidance. Proverbs 12:15 states, "The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to counsel." A humble-minded person is willing to learn from others and acknowledges their need for God's wisdom and direction.

The Blessings of Humble-mindedness

The Bible promises blessings to those who cultivate humble-mindedness. Matthew 5:5 declares, "Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth." This beatitude assures believers that humility leads to divine favor and eternal rewards. Additionally, Isaiah 66:2 affirms, "Has not My hand made all these things, and so they came into being? declares the LORD. This is the one I will esteem: he who is humble and contrite in spirit, who trembles at My word." God's esteem and attention are directed toward those who are humble and reverent before Him.

John xiii. 1
... for them, and declaring His unutterable love, that He now cared for them as for
His own; teaching them the mother of all good, even humblemindedness, which He ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily lxx john xiii 1.htm

Philippians ii. 8-May
... he has not humbled himself from any high estate. It is not possible to show
humble-mindedness except it be in our power to do otherwise. ...
/.../homily vi philippians ii 8-may.htm

Rom. I. 8
... But when he says, "Whom I serve with my spirit in the Gospel of His Son," he shows
us at once the grace of God, and also his own humble-mindedness; the grace ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily ii rom i 8.htm

2 Cor. Iv. 8, 9
... In other places indeed he says that these things were permitted in order both to
their own [622] humble-mindedness, and to the safety of others: for "that I ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily ix 2 cor iv.htm

Philippians i. 18-20
... your supplication," he adds, "and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ according
to my earnest expectation and hope." Behold the humble-mindedness of this ...
/.../homily iii philippians i 18-20.htm

John xi. 41, 42
... from condescension, and has for its cause the weakness of the hearers; or rather
(it has for its cause) the leading them to [1793] humblemindedness, and His ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily lxiv john xi 41.htm

Letter iv. --For 332. Easter-Day vii Pharmuthi , iv Non. Apr. ...
... we honour sufficiency, and have strength of mind, when we do not forget the poor,
but open our doors to all men, when we assist humble-mindedness, but hate ...
/.../select works and letters or athanasius/letter iv for 332 easter-day vii.htm

Relations with Nestorius and to Nestorianism.
... to the Patriarchate of Alexandria, however Theodoret in the language of conventional
courtesy may speak of the new bishop's humble mindedness, [57] inherited ...
/.../the ecclesiastical history of theodoret/iii relations with nestorius and to.htm

John iii. 35, 36
... Restraining them therefore in their present humblemindedness, He taught them always
to be moderate, [803] and never to require any to wait upon them. ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily xxxi john iii 35.htm

Philippians and Colossians
... (3) The choice between life death, 1:19-26. (4) Humble-mindedness and its rewards
as seen in Jesus 2:5- 11. (5) An upright Christian life, 2:12-18. ...
/.../chapter xxxii philippians and colossians.htm

Humble-mindedness (3 Occurrences)
Humble-mindedness. Humbleminded, Humble-mindedness. Humbleness .
Multi-Version Concordance Humble-mindedness (3 Occurrences). ...
/h/humble-mindedness.htm - 7k

Notions (6 Occurrences)
... Colossians 2:18 let no one beguile you of your prize, delighting in humble-mindedness
and 'in' worship of the messengers, intruding into the things he hath not ...
/n/notions.htm - 8k

Fleshly (15 Occurrences)
... Colossians 2:23 which are, indeed, having a matter of wisdom in will-worship, and
humble-mindedness, and neglecting of body -- not in any honour, unto a ...
/f/fleshly.htm - 11k

Delights (39 Occurrences)
... Colossians 2:18 let no one beguile you of your prize, delighting in humble-mindedness
and 'in' worship of the messengers, intruding into the things he hath not ...
/d/delights.htm - 17k

Puffs (3 Occurrences)
... Colossians 2:18 let no one beguile you of your prize, delighting in humble-mindedness
and 'in' worship of the messengers, intruding into the things he hath not ...
/p/puffs.htm - 7k

Choice (113 Occurrences)
... Colossians 3:12 Put on, therefore, as choice ones of God, holy and beloved, bowels
of mercies, kindness, humble-mindedness, meekness, long-suffering, (YLT). ...
/c/choice.htm - 38k

Subjecting (5 Occurrences)
... 1 Peter 5:5 In like manner, ye younger, be subject to elders, and all to one another
subjecting yourselves; with humble-mindedness clothe yourselves, because ...
/s/subjecting.htm - 8k

Matters (131 Occurrences)
... (WEY). Colossians 2:23 which are, indeed, having a matter of wisdom in will-worship,
and humble-mindedness, and neglecting of body -- not in any honour, unto a ...
/m/matters.htm - 36k

Humbleness (1 Occurrence)

/h/humbleness.htm - 6k

Humbleminded (1 Occurrence)

/h/humbleminded.htm - 6k

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