Humility- part 1

His Holiness Pope Shenouda III speaks about humility as the true foundation of every spiritual life acceptable before God, and that it is the base upon which all virtues are built.

Humility as the Foundation of Spiritual Life

Humility is the base without which all virtues lose their value. Even if a person possesses many spiritual gifts or virtues, without humility these virtues may become a cause of his fall. Therefore, Christ placed meekness and humility at the forefront of spiritual teachings.

The Danger of Hidden Pride

A person may fall into pride without realizing it, especially when he becomes aware of his righteousness or speaks about his virtues. This appeared in the story of Job the righteous, who was righteous but stumbled when he saw himself righteous in his own eyes.

Trials as a Means to Humility

God sometimes allows trials to restore a person to true humility, as happened with Job, who finally returned to humility saying that he is dust and ashes, and then God restored and blessed him.

Humility Attracts God’s Grace

God reveals His mysteries and grants His gifts to the humble, because they do not attribute goodness to themselves. The humble heart is the acceptable sacrifice before God.

The Spiritual Power of Humility

Humility gives a person great spiritual power, even overcoming demons without struggle, because humility resembles the nature of Christ who emptied Himself.

The True Concept of Humility

Humility is not pretending or artificially lowering oneself, but knowing one’s true self before God, and realizing that he is nothing without His grace.

A Call to Live in Humility

God calls الإنسان to walk in humility to preserve himself from falling, receive grace, and remain in a true relationship with God.

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