The Humble Man Respects Others

In this sermon His Holiness Pope Shenouda III addresses the virtue of humility linked to respect for others, affirming that humility cannot exist with a lack of respect toward people.

Essence of humility

• Humility means a meek and humble heart in conduct, not an outward appearance or hollow words.

• The humble person respects both elders and youngsters, does not raise his voice or interrupt someone older than him.

Examples from the life of the Lord Christ and the Holy Scripture

• Christ spoke to others with gentleness and respect: with John the Baptist, with Judas, and with the Samaritan woman and the sinful woman—He did not wound their feelings but called them and loved them.

• Stories of monks and saints show the same spirit: silence before elders, asking for blessing, and showing respect to the elders.

Effects of humility in monastic and social life

• Humility disciplines the soul and encourages respect for church order and spiritual ranks without false humility.

• Respect produces gentleness and delicacy of speech, and one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit is that a person is tender in his words and deeds.

Practical practices for the humble respectful person

• Do not attribute to yourself the glory of others; attribute merit to others and ask for their blessing when appropriate.

• Give each person his place in your eyes: treat the elder as a father and the younger as a brother; do not criticize or judge publicly.

• Ensure your actions and words are precise and not hurtful and weigh your words before speaking.

Conclusion and exhortation to practice
His Holiness the Pope calls believers to possess practical humility that appears in respecting others, in a calm and meek behavior, and in giving everyone their due, because humility is a sign of spiritual maturity and the way to draw near to God.

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