Meaning of “True Humility” – 1st We are humble before God, recognizing His supreme authority and our own dependence on Him. We recognize God’s greatness and our own limitations and imperfections and approach Him with a submissive and reverent attitude. It is not self-depreciation, but about understanding our true place in relation to God. 2nd Humble towards others: is a virtue characterized by a realistic and modest view of oneself, recognizing both strengths and weaknesses without arrogance. It involves acknowledging our limitations, being open to learning from others, and not seeking excessive praise or attention. In essence, true humility is about focusing on others and their needs, rather than constantly centering everything on ourselves.
There are two types of humility and they are related, and they are distinct. God tells us to be humble before Him and then to be humble towards others. Humility before God is a humility before His Word. Each time we open the Word we must humble ourselves to what it is teaching us—we are students being taught by the Holy Spirit. Psalm 25:9 (AMPC) – He leads the humble in what is right, and the humble He teaches. James 4:6 (AMPC) – But He gives us more and more grace (power of the Holy Spirit, to meet this evil tendency and all others fully). That is why He says, God sets Himself against the proud and haughty, but give grace [continually] to the lowly (those who are humble enough to receive it).
Pride has no place in our lives, that is the character of Satan. (Isaiah 14:12-15 and Ezekiel 28:12-19)
Humble towards other - Galatians 5:13-15 (AMP) - 13 For you, my brothers, were called to freedom; only do not let your freedom become an opportunity for the sinful nature (worldliness, selfishness), but through love serve and seek the best for one another. 14 For the whole Law [concerning human relationships] is fulfilled in one precept, “You shall love your neighbour as yourself [that is, you shall have an unselfish concern for others and do things for their benefit].” 15 But if you bite and devour one another [in bickering and strife], watch out that you [along with your entire fellowship] are not consumed by one another.
The characteristics of love, are deeply rooted in humility: 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 (AMP) - 4 Love endures with patience and serenity, love is kind and thoughtful, and is not jealous or envious; love does not brag and is not proud or arrogant. 5 It is not rude; it is not self-seeking, it is not provoked [nor overly sensitive and easily angered]; it does not take into account a wrong endured. 6 It does not rejoice at injustice, but rejoices with the truth [when right and truth prevail]. 7 Love bears all things [regardless of what comes], believes all things [looking for the best in each one], hopes all things [remaining steadfast during difficult times], endures all things [without weakening]. 8 Love never fails [it never fades nor ends]. But as for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for the gift of special knowledge, it will pass away. there remain: faith [abiding trust in God and His promises], hope [confident expectation of eternal salvation], love [unselfish love for others growing out of God’s love for me], these three [the choicest graces]; but the greatest of these is love.
Isaiah 57:15 (AMP) - For thus says the high and lofty One—He Who inhabits eternity, Whose name is Holy: I dwell in the high and holy place, but with him also who is of a thoroughly penitent and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble and to revive the heart of the thoroughly penitent [bruised with sorrow for sin].
As we let the agape love of God rule in our lives, we will find ourselves walking in true humility towards God and man.
Prayer – that we will walk (continue to walk) humbly before God and humbly towards others.