Humility in Faith
Jump to: SubtopicsTerms
Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and Importance
Humility in faith is a fundamental virtue in Christian theology, characterized by a modest view of one's own importance and a deep reliance on God. It is the recognition of one's limitations and the acknowledgment of God's supreme authority and grace. Humility is essential for a genuine relationship with God, as it opens the heart to His guidance and wisdom.

Biblical Foundation
The Bible consistently emphasizes the importance of humility. In the Old Testament, humility is often associated with wisdom and the fear of the Lord. Proverbs 22:4 states, "The rewards of humility and the fear of the LORD are wealth and honor and life." This verse highlights the blessings that accompany a humble heart.

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ exemplifies humility. Philippians 2:5-8 describes Jesus' humility: "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." Jesus' life and sacrifice are the ultimate model of humility for believers.

Humility in Practice
Humility in faith involves several key practices:

1. Submission to God: James 4:7 instructs, "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." Submission to God requires acknowledging His authority and aligning one's life with His will.

2. Service to Others: Humility is expressed through serving others selflessly. In John 13:14-15 , Jesus washes His disciples' feet and says, "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."

3. Dependence on God: Humility involves recognizing one's dependence on God for strength and guidance. 1 Peter 5:6-7 advises, "Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, so that in due time He may exalt you. Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you."

4. Repentance and Confession: A humble heart is quick to repent and confess sins. 1 John 1:9 assures, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

The Role of Humility in Spiritual Growth
Humility is crucial for spiritual growth and maturity. It allows believers to receive God's grace, as 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.'" Humility fosters a teachable spirit, enabling believers to grow in wisdom and understanding.

Humility and Community
In the Christian community, humility promotes unity and peace. 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." Humility helps to resolve conflicts and build strong, loving relationships within the body of Christ.

Conclusion
While humility is often countercultural, it is a cornerstone of the Christian faith. By embracing humility, believers align themselves with God's purposes and reflect the character of Christ to the world.
Subtopics

Humility

Humility is Before Honor

Humility: A Characteristic of Saints

Humility: Abraham

Humility: Afflictions Intended to Produce

Humility: Ahab

Humility: Blessedness of

Humility: Centurion

Humility: Christ an Example of

Humility: Cornelius

Humility: David

Humility: Elihu

Humility: Elisabeth

Humility: Elizabeth

Humility: Excellency of

Humility: Exemplified

Humility: General Scriptures Concerning

Humility: Gideon

Humility: Hezekiah

Humility: Isaiah

Humility: Jacob

Humility: Jeremiah

Humility: Job

Humility: John

Humility: John the Baptist

Humility: Joseph

Humility: Joshua

Humility: Josiah

Humility: Leads to Riches, Honor, and Life

Humility: Manasseh

Humility: Mephibosheth

Humility: Moses

Humility: Necessary to the Service of God

Humility: Paul

Humility: Peter

Humility: Saints should be Clothed With

Humility: Saints should Beware of False

Humility: Saints should Put On

Humility: Saints should Walk With

Humility: Temporal Judgments Averted By

Humility: The Who Have are Greatest in Christ's Kingdom

Humility: The Who Have: Delivered by God

Humility: The Who Have: Enjoy the Presence of God

Humility: The Who Have: Exalted by God

Humility: The Who Have: Heard by God

Humility: The Who Have: Lifted up by God

Humility: The Who Have: Receive More Grace

Humility: The Who Have: Regarded by God

Humility: The Who Have: Upheld by Honor

Humility: Want of, Condemned

Humility: Woman of Canaan

The Humility of Christ: Declared by Himself

The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Associating With the Despised

The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Becoming a Servant

The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Birth

The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Death

The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Entry Into Jerusalem

The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Exposing Himself to Reproach and Contempt

The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Obedience

The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Partaking of Our Infirmities

The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Poverty

The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Refusing Honors

The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Station in Life

The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Subjection to his Parents

The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Submitting to Ordinances

The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Submitting to Sufferings

The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Taking Our Nature

The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Washing his Disciples' Feet

The Humility of Christ: His Exaltation, the Result of

The Humility of Christ: On Account of, he Was Despised

The Humility of Christ: Saints should Imitate

Related Terms

Lord'the (1 Occurrence)

Is'the (1 Occurrence)

The (669438 Occurrences)

Oak-the (1 Occurrence)

Saying'the (1 Occurrence)

Jok'the-el (1 Occurrence)

The-oph'ilus (2 Occurrences)

The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence)

Ko'hathites (19 Occurrences)

Kohathite (18 Occurrences)

Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences)

Zin (9 Occurrences)

Zarephath (4 Occurrences)

Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences)

Vintage (14 Occurrences)

Kore (4 Occurrences)

Knives (12 Occurrences)

Zidonians (11 Occurrences)

Kareah (14 Occurrences)

Vegetation (18 Occurrences)

Kanah (3 Occurrences)

Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences)

Vicinity (18 Occurrences)

Zeboim (7 Occurrences)

Kadeshbarnea (9 Occurrences)

Kare'ah (14 Occurrences)

Volition

Kol

Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences)

Vashti (10 Occurrences)

Zabdi (17 Occurrences)

Knitted (9 Occurrences)

Kids (12 Occurrences)

Killeth (23 Occurrences)

Vial (12 Occurrences)

Zelophehad (9 Occurrences)

Home-born (14 Occurrences)

Kingship (17 Occurrences)

Kadesh-barnea (9 Occurrences)

Zealot (4 Occurrences)

Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences)

Kibrothhattaavah (5 Occurrences)

Victorious (17 Occurrences)

Zacchaeus (3 Occurrences)

Zenas (1 Occurrence)

Kneel (10 Occurrences)

Zachariah (6 Occurrences)

Kebar (8 Occurrences)

Kerethites (9 Occurrences)

Zeeb (3 Occurrences)

Zoheleth (1 Occurrence)

Zarethan (4 Occurrences)

Kinnereth (7 Occurrences)

Knowledge

Knelt (20 Occurrences)

Visible (12 Occurrences)

Zeus (3 Occurrences)

Ziph (9 Occurrences)

Zebadiah (9 Occurrences)

Zorah (10 Occurrences)

Kenite (9 Occurrences)

Kick (8 Occurrences)

Kedar (11 Occurrences)

Zichri (12 Occurrences)

Ko'rahites (6 Occurrences)

Zeru'iah (24 Occurrences)

Kei'lah (16 Occurrences)

24000 (10 Occurrences)

Vapor (6 Occurrences)

Vanished (13 Occurrences)

Verdict (7 Occurrences)

Violated (23 Occurrences)

Knop (4 Occurrences)

Visiting (10 Occurrences)

Zaphon (4 Occurrences)

Zephani'ah (10 Occurrences)

Zaccur (10 Occurrences)

Koz (5 Occurrences)

Kadmiel (8 Occurrences)

Humility in Failure
Top of Page
Top of Page