Reverence and humility are foundational attitudes in the relationship between humanity and the divine, as depicted throughout the Bible. These virtues are essential for a proper understanding of one's place before God and are repeatedly emphasized in Scripture as necessary for true worship and obedience.

Reverence

Reverence is the deep respect and awe one holds towards God, recognizing His majesty, holiness, and authority. The Bible frequently calls believers to approach God with reverence. In Hebrews 12:28-29 , it is written, "Therefore, since we are receiving an unshakable kingdom, let us be filled with gratitude, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe. For our God is a consuming fire." This passage underscores the importance of reverence in worship, acknowledging God's power and holiness.

The fear of the Lord, often synonymous with reverence, is a recurring theme in Scripture. Proverbs 9:10 states, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." This fear is not a paralyzing dread but a profound respect that leads to wisdom and righteous living. Reverence for God is also expressed through obedience to His commandments, as seen in Deuteronomy 10:12-13 : "And now, O Israel, what does the LORD your God ask of you but to fear the LORD your God by walking in all His ways, to love Him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to keep the commandments and statutes of the LORD that I am giving you this day for your own good?"

Humility

Humility before God involves recognizing one's own limitations and sinfulness in contrast to God's infinite greatness and purity. It is an acknowledgment of dependence on God for all things. James 4:10 exhorts believers, "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you." This verse highlights the biblical principle that true exaltation comes through humility, as God honors those who lower themselves before Him.

The life of Jesus Christ serves as the ultimate example of humility. Philippians 2:5-8 describes how Christ, though being in the form of God, "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 illustrates the depth of Christ's humility and serves as a model for believers to emulate.

Humility is also a prerequisite for receiving God's grace. In 1 Peter 5:5 , it is written, "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." This teaching emphasizes that humility opens the door to divine favor and blessing, while pride creates a barrier between humanity and God.

Interconnection of Reverence and Humility

Reverence and humility are interconnected virtues that together form the basis for a proper relationship with God. Reverence acknowledges God's supreme authority and holiness, while humility recognizes human frailty and dependence on divine grace. Together, they foster a heart posture that is open to God's guidance and transformation.

The prophet Isaiah captures this dual attitude in Isaiah 66:2 : "For My hand made all these things, and thus all these things came into being, declares the LORD. But this is the one to whom I will look: he who is humble and contrite in spirit, who trembles at My word." This verse encapsulates the essence of reverence and humility, highlighting the kind of heart that God esteems and to which He responds.

In summary, reverence and humility before God are essential virtues that shape the believer's approach to worship, obedience, and daily living. They are attitudes that acknowledge God's rightful place as Creator and Lord, while recognizing human dependence on His mercy and grace.