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1 Corinthians 13:4–5
“Love . . . is not arrogant or rude.”
Humility stands as a defining mark of love; therefore, the spiritual fruit of love will manifest itself in part in a humble spirit. We understand this because Paul tells us that love is a fruit of the Spirit and that love “does not . . . boast” and “is not arrogant” (1 Cor. 13:4; Gal. 5:22–23). Those who boast and are arrogant are full of pride, which should not mark those in whom the Holy Spirit is working.
Scripture frequently condemns pride. Proverbs 8:13, for example, tells us that God hates pride, associating it with the way of evil. In Isaiah 2:17, we see that our Creator will bring low the lofty pride of man. Humility, on the other hand, receives much commendation in the Bible. Isaiah 66:2 reveals that the person to whom God pays heed is the humble person. In other words, the Lord shows mercy to those who act in humility. First Peter 5:6 exhorts us to humble ourselves in the sight of the Lord so that He will exalt us at the proper time.
Since God regards humility so highly, we need to understand exactly what it means to be humble. Importantly, humility does not mean that we should view ourselves as utterly worthless. We are, after all, made in the image of God (Gen. 1:26–28), and though we are fallen we still retain the dignity associated with that image, for Scripture continues to affirm that we are made in God’s image even in our sinful state (Gen. 9:6). Humility consists in a sober assessment of ourselves, in our not viewing ourselves more highly than we ought (Rom. 12:3). Thus, the humble person evaluates himself appropriately, not claiming for himself more or less than he should. In this way, humility is related to the spiritual fruit of self-control (Gal. 5:22–23), for self-controlled people are able to exercise sobriety in judgment of themselves and of others.
A key characteristic of humble people is that they give honor to whom honor is due, as Scripture instructs us (Rom. 13:7). The prideful person does not recognize his proper relation to others. He will claim more honor for himself than he is owed, and he will withhold honor from others who deserve it. This works itself out in the relationship that prideful people have with God. One who is puffed up with pride will be slow to admit faults, and if one is slow to admit faults, one will be slow to confess sin and be reconciled to our Creator.
Coram Deo Living before the face of God
In our day, the culture encourages us in many ways not to show honor to those to whom honor is due. Sadly, Christians often follow the lead of society here, not speaking respectfully of those in authority or not showing deference to others where it is necessary. Let us seek to show honor to whom honor is due so that we will more and more manifest the humility to which God calls us.
for further study
- Exodus 20:12
- Proverbs 16:18
- 1 Peter 2:17
- 1 John 2:16
the bible in a year
- Psalms 10–12
- Acts 17:16–34