Humility

Scripture Reading

Matthew 5:3, "Blessed are the poor in spirit (the humble, who rate themselves
insignificant), for theirs is the kingdom of heaven!"

James 4:6. It says, "God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble" (ESV).

Message:

Let's face it; humility isn't a very popular word. Yet, all throughout the Bible, the
Lord instructs us about the benefits of being "humble-minded." Humility is often
misunderstood and even viewed as a weakness. But it's the exact opposite.
Humility places us in a place to receive God's favour and to become great.

A humble person is also a happy person. They can take joy in their life and what
God has called them to do, regardless of what the world thinks about it.

For instance, you may think of an instance when you were placed in a group to
complete an assignment for school or school club. The proud person may always
want the leading role or to dominate the project. The proud person feels they know
it all. The humble person knows that all roles are important. The humble person
acknowledges that he or she has made a mistake. The humble person gives others a
chance to contribute to the team effort.

Such as person has an understanding that life is too short to have squabbles among
his/ her friends or to put down others. Humility equals harmony and success in any
venture.

So many people are miserable, constantly comparing themselves to others who are
smarter, prettier, or more successful. But the "poor in spirit" have the ability to be
happy with who they are. Humble people are content. Humble people are more
likely to respect themselves and calmly accept any challenge they may face.
We have been taught that competitiveness and aggressiveness are keys to success.
While it may seem to appear so to the naked eye, in reality it is the opposite.

The bible says, Let the greatest among you first serve.

Service and humility promotes. Arrogance demotes.

What are some other character traits of a humble person? I encourage you to
evaluate where you have fallen short.

1. The humble can always ask for help, and they don't insist on everything being
done their way.

2. They are quick to forgive others, difficult to offend, and content to wait on God
for vindication when they have been wronged.

3. They are patient and don't get frustrated with the weaknesses of others
(Galatians 6:2).

4. The humble person is a peacemaker. In fact, we need humility to maintain peace

in our lives.

Romans 12:16 It says, "Live in harmony with one another; do not be

haughtybut readily adjust yourself to [people, things] and give yourselves to
humble tasks.

5. A humble person knows when to be quiet. It's certainly not wrong to talk, but a
humble person is comfortable allowing others to have center stage and doesn't feel
the need to speak their mind in every situation.

6. A humble person sees their own weaknesses and can readily admit them. When
we open up to others about ourselves, it can actual encourage and help them realize
they're not the only ones who deal with things.

7. A humble person happily serves other people, and they don't do it to be seen.
They do it unto God, knowing their reward will come from God.

8. A humble person is very thankful. This is one reason why they're usually so
happy. When we live with an attitude of gratitude, it releases joy and power into
our lives.

9. A humble person has a tender conscience and is quick to repent.

10. A leader who is truly humble treats everyone with respect. How a leader treats
people is the quickest way to find out their level of humility.

First Peter 5:6 says, "Therefore humble yourselves [demote, lower yourselves in
your own estimation] under the mighty hand of God, that in due time He may exalt
you."

I encourage you to pray and ask for God's help. Nobody changes overnight, but by
His grace, you can begin to develop an attitude of humilityand discover the life
you really want.
Quote for the Day
A true genius admits that he/she knows nothing.
Albert Einstein

Closing Prayer
Prayer of an Anonymous Abbess:

Lord, thou knowest better than myself that I am growing older and will soon be
old. Keep me from becoming too talkative, and especially from the unfortunate
habit of thinking that I must say something on every subject and at every
opportunity.

Grant me the patience to listen to the complaints of others; help me to endure them
with charity. But seal my lips on my own aches and pains -- they increase with the
increasing years and my inclination to recount them is also increasing.

I will not ask thee for improved memory, only for a little more humility and less
self-assurance when my own memory doesn't agree with that of others. Teach me
the glorious lesson that occasionally I may be wrong.

Keep me reasonably gentle. Make me sympathetic without being sentimental,

helpful but not bossy. Let me discover merits where I had not expected them, and
talents in people whom I had not thought to possess any. And, Lord, give me the
grace to tell them so without malice.
Amen