humility

His Holiness Pope Shenouda speaks about the virtue of humility and the danger of pride, explaining that gifts and talents can move the soul toward arrogance if they are not met with humility and thanksgiving to God.

Biblical and spiritual examples

He referred to the story of Satan in Isaiah and his fall because of persisting in exaltation, and mentioned examples from the Holy Bible (the Pharisee and the tax collector, John the Baptist, Job, Solomon) to show how humility leads to salvation and blessings, while pride leads to fall and loss.

The meaning of humility and its fruits

He emphasized that humility is not weakness but the foundation on which all virtues are built, and that the humble are given grace from God and draw glory to God not to themselves, and that poverty of spirit and inner grace are more important than outward appearances and abilities.

Warning about “victims of gifts”

He warned that spiritual gifts and endowments can be misused producing self-inflation and displays of pride, so the believer is required to keep the simplicity of children and humility no matter how much grace is given.

The role of trials and discipline

He mentioned that God’s trials may remove the greatness of the self and lead the person to true humility (as in the trial of Job), with the purpose that the person emerges humble so that God alone is honored.

Practical and pastoral application

He advised spiritual guides to train those advancing in virtue gradually so that they do not become inflated, and he urged seeking the fruits of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience …) instead of pursuing the appearances of gifts.

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