Humility in Scripture

Humility is a foundational virtue in the Christian faith, deeply rooted in the teachings of both the Old and New Testaments. It is the quality of having a modest view of one's importance and is often associated with meekness and lowliness of heart. The Bible consistently emphasizes the importance of humility as a prerequisite for receiving God's grace and favor. In the Old Testament, Micah 6:8 states, "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?"

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ exemplifies humility through His life and teachings. Philippians 2:5-8 describes the humility 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."

Humility is also a key theme in the teachings of the apostles. James 4:6 reminds believers, "But He gives us more grace. This is why it says: 'God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.'" Similarly, 1 Peter 5:5-6 exhorts, "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."

Love in Scripture

Love is the central tenet of the Christian faith, encapsulating the essence of God's nature and His commandments to humanity. The Bible portrays love as the greatest of all virtues, surpassing even faith and hope. In 1 Corinthians 13:13 , the Apostle Paul declares, "And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love; but the greatest of these is love."

The love of God is most profoundly demonstrated in the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ for the redemption of humanity. John 3:16 affirms, "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." This divine love serves as the model for Christian love, which is to be selfless, unconditional, and enduring.

Jesus emphasized the importance of love in His teachings, summarizing the Law and the Prophets with the command to love God and neighbor. In Matthew 22:37-39 , Jesus states, "‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’"

The apostolic writings further expound on the nature of love. In 1 John 4:7-8 , believers are urged, "Beloved, let us love one another, because love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love." The Apostle Paul, in Romans 13:10 , asserts, "Love does no wrong to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law."

Interconnection of Humility and Love

Humility and love are intrinsically linked in the Christian life, each enhancing and supporting the other. Humility enables believers to love genuinely, as it requires setting aside pride and self-interest to serve others selflessly. In Philippians 2:3-4 , Paul instructs, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others."

Love, in turn, fosters humility by encouraging believers to prioritize the well-being of others and to emulate the self-giving nature of Christ. Colossians 3:12-14 captures this dynamic: "Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with hearts of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with one another and forgive any complaint you may have against someone else. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which is the bond of perfect unity."

In summary, humility and love are essential virtues that define the character and conduct of a Christian. They are interdependent, each nurturing the other, and together they reflect the heart of the Gospel message.