
February 5, 2025
Praying Friends,
It’s easy to talk about humility; it is altogether different to live a humble life.
The third piece of spiritual clothing Paul instructs us to wear is humility. He said, “Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience” (Colossians 3:12 NIV).
In Greco-Roman culture, humility was often seen as weak or undesirable, associated with slaves or those of low social standing. The gospel tells a different story. It redefines humility as a virtue highly valued by God.
The main Greek word for humility in the New Testament is ταπεινοφροσύνη (tapeinophrosynē). The root word: ταπεινός (tapeinos): Means "lowly," "humble," or "of low estate." It refers to being unpretentious, modest, or having a low position. φρήν (phrēn): Refers to the mind, understanding, or attitude. Combined, tapeinophrosynē means "lowliness of mind," referring to an attitude of humility or modesty.
Humility denotes a mindset that esteems oneself correctly in relation to God and others — not exalting oneself but recognizing dependence on God and honoring others above oneself.
It is not self-degradation or false humility, but rather a healthy acknowledgment of one’s position before God and willingness to serve others.
A great example is Henry Nouwen, a Dutch priest and theologian. He left a prestigious teaching career at Harvard and Yale to join a worldwide social movement, serving people with disabilities. He devoted his life to caring for the marginalized.
He wrote, “The way of the Christian leader is not the way of upward mobility but the way of downward mobility ending on the cross.”
Humility finds expression in many ways. Here are a few:
Selflessness: Humility is putting the needs of others above our own.
Dependence on God: Acknowledging that our strength and success comes from God, not ourselves.
Service: Doing tangible acts of service, especially toward the marginalized is a key component of humility.
Forgiveness: We all have enemies or those who wronged us. Reflecting Christ’s humility is being ready to forgive.
Surrender to God: True humility is shown in surrendering one’s will to God, even at great personal cost.
All these characteristics were demonstrated perfectly in Jesus. When He was in the garden of Gethsemane, He said, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done” (Luke 22:42).
In the hours before His crucifixion, Jesus wrestled with the weight of what lay ahead. Despite His anguish, He humbly submitted to the Father’s will, choosing obedience over comfort. That moment reveals the depth of His humility: though fully God, He willingly endured suffering for the sake of humanity.
When writing to the Philippian believers about Jesus, Paul said, “Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death — even death on a cross!” (Philippians 2:6-8).
Now it’s our turn!
Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matthew 11:28–29). As we spend time in His presence, as we learn from Him and allow the Holy Spirit to work in us, we too can be “humble in heart.”
Thank you for praying for our prodigals and for revival among us.
Love in Christ,
Bryan and Rachel
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