For the Faithful
Humility
Acknowledging my strengths and limitations accurately while staying mindful of the value of others
Our current faith‑based resources are written from a Christian perspective, but we know that many other faith traditions also nurture strong character, and we want to honor and uplift that diversity.
We are actively seeking contributors from additional faith traditions who would like to help us expand this section. If you are interested, we would be grateful to partner with you.
Humility helps build a faith community where people feel seen, valued, and encouraged to grow.
When we acknowledge our strengths and limitations honestly while recognizing the worth of others, we become more open to learning, serving, and walking alongside one another with grace. Humility helps us reflect God’s love through teachable hearts, selfless service, and deeper respect for every person.
Essay
Love with Humility
By Rev. Dr. Roger Braun, Retired Methodist Minister
I suppose if you asked anyone to say what would be the one basic character of Jesus, they would answer with “love.” Except I see a different basic character for Jesus: humility. I have been around people long enough to change my perspective about Jesus because people can’t love like Jesus until they first have humility. Only after all arrogance has been eliminated from the human heart and replaced with humility can people then walk in the steps of Jesus. Arrogant people put themselves and their needs first; humble people put others and their needs first. Philippians 2:3 states. “But in humility consider others better than yourselves.” Since Jesus is the embodiment of God and Jesus was foremost humble, then humility is our basic nature.
The greatest example is the life and teachings of Jesus. As the Savior, Jesus chose a life marked by simplicity, service, and closeness to the poor and marginalized. Rather than seeking status or power, Jesus took on the form of a servant and a path of obedience and lowliness. Philippians 2:5-8 states it clearly: “Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus, who being in the same nature of God, did not consider equality with God as something to be grasped, but made himself nothing.” In other words, Jesus gave up the glory of heaven and came to earth in physical form to save humanity from sin and death. Jesus was putting others before himself.
Humility itself has its own rewards. Arrogant people will fail and fall, while humble people will be honored. Jesus promised in Matthew 23:12: “For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” Jesus taught that “the last shall be first and the first shall be last.” In the Kingdom of God, things are opposite from the kingdom of the world, for in the Kingdom of God, “the meek will inherit the world.” In all my years, I have discovered over and over again that it is the humble people who have impressed and inspired me. In the humble people, I have seen the image of Christ most clearly. Arrogant people do not do that for me. I see no light of Jesus and no Christian love from them.
It is the humble people who will change the world for Christ Jesus.
Affirmations for the Faithful
I give glory to God by giving credit to others.
I confess my mistakes, knowing His grace covers me.
I ask for help when I need it, trusting that God works through others.
I surrender my way, knowing that His ways are higher than mine.
I think of myself less, so I can love others more.
Humility Resource Library
The Links below will take you to Resources, like activities, reflections, and visuals you can use personally or in your faith organization to encourage the Character Quality of Humility.
Humility Verses
Want to deepen your understanding of Humility through Scripture? Explore our collection of Humility Bible Verses for inspiration and reflection.
