God loves humility! And when you think about it we love being around humble people versus prideful people. Prideful people cause distance in the relationships but humble people are very engaging. Let’s look at what humble means.
Humble – Showing awareness of ones shortcomings, not proud, meek. Deeply respectful. Not high in station. Lowly. To make humble in spirit. To bring low.
The scriptures have many scriptures on being humble. Let’s look at a few.
BLESSING OF HUMILITY
(Psa 18:27 NIV) You save the humble but bring low those whose eyes are haughty.
(Psa 25:9 NIV) He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way.
(Psa 147:6 NIV) The LORD sustains the humble but casts the wicked to the ground.
(Psa 149:4 NIV) For the LORD takes delight in his people; he crowns the humble with salvation.
(Prov 3:34 NIV) He mocks proud mockers but gives grace to the humble.
(Isa 29:19 NIV) Once more the humble will rejoice in the LORD; the needy will rejoice in the Holy One of Israel.
(Isa 66:2 NIV) Has not my hand made all these things, and so they came into being?" declares the LORD. "This is the one I esteem: he who is humble and contrite in spirit, and trembles at my word.
(Dan 10:12 NIV) Then he continued, "Do not be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to them.
(Luke 1:52 NIV) He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble.
(James 1:9 NIV) The brother in humble circumstances ought to take pride in his high position.
(James 4:6 NIV) But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble."
(James 4:10 NIV) Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.
(1 Pet 5:5 NIV) Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble."
(1 Pet 5:6 NIV) Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.
(Prov 11:2 NIV) When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.
(Prov 15:33 NIV) The fear of the LORD teaches a man wisdom, and humility comes before honor.
(Prov 18:12 NIV) Before his downfall a man’s heart is proud, but humility comes before honor.
(Prov 22:4 NIV) Humility and the fear of the LORD bring wealth and honor and life.
(1 Pet 5:5 NIV) Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble."
Look at all these blessings? Wealth, honor, life, wisdom, being lifted up, salvation, guidance, being sustained, crowned, rejoicing, grace, esteemed by God, prayers are heard, high position, exalted, more grace, more grace, more grace.
With all these blessings for being humble why aren’t we more humble?
Because we’re prideful and our selfish ways get in the way of the cross. God calls us to deny ourselves, take up our cross and follow him and the way of Jesus is filled with humility and it strikes at our prideful selfish ways.
A few years ago I found it very hard to be humble in one of my relationships.
I was in an intense conversation with a brother and we were not seeing eye to eye. As we spoke we got more and more angry, I said some wrong things and so did he and he abruptly hung up the phone.
As soon as I got off the phone I could see my own sin. I didn’t handle it right. I wasn’t like Christ. I was so upset in spirit I just got on my knees right there and began confessing my own sin to God. Then I new that I needed to call him back and apologize. I knew that I needed to make it right. But there was a part of me that didn’t want to call. In my pride I didn’t want to humble myself. I wanted to stay angry and I did for awhile. I shared the situation with my wife (who told me I needed to call him). More prayer and hours later I did call him and apologize and asked him for forgiveness. What helped me make the call was focusing on Christ and wanting to be like Him and nothing else mattered but being right with him. I wanted to be right with Christ no matter what. This desire to be like Jesus helped me to calm down and as I cried out to him and owned my own sin He got me to place of being willing to resolve the issue. The scripture in James 4:10 is true.
(James 4:10 NIV) Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up. God did lift me up as I humbled myself before Him. You may have a difficult time with a brother or sister but I encourage you to pray, fast if necessary, humble yourself before the Lord, make the call and get it right for the glory of God.
