The Virtue of Humility
His Holiness Pope Shenouda III discusses the virtue of humility, explaining that it is the foundation of all virtues and one of the greatest virtues in the Christian spiritual life. The Lord Jesus Christ taught us to learn from Him gentleness and humility, and He placed poverty of spirit at the beginning of the Beatitudes. The saints explain that pride is the root of many evils, while humility leads a person to the grace of God and establishes him firmly in the spiritual life.
Spiritual Message
True humility is not merely a collection of words that a person says about himself, but an inward condition of the heart based on knowing one’s true nature, weakness, and constant need for God. The proud person depends on himself, whereas the humble person recognizes that he cannot do anything without God’s help. The saints affirm that humility protects a person from the snares of the devil, because the humble person does not depend on his personal strength but trusts in God and seeks His help. Humility also preserves the gifts that God grants to a person from becoming a cause of vain glory and self-boasting.
Educational Lesson
Pope Shenouda III explains that humility must accompany all virtues, such as prayer, almsgiving, mercy, and service, because a virtue that lacks humility loses its true spiritual value. He explains that humility appears in a person’s dealings with others, in his relationship with God, and in his view of himself. A humble person respects everyone, does not judge or despise others, and does not stubbornly cling to his own opinion, but learns from every person, no matter how young or simple that person may be. He also does not seek people’s praise or outward appearances, but cares about the purity of his heart and his private relationship with God. He also teaches us that a humble person remembers his sins and continually repents, gives thanks to God for His gifts and for life’s trials, and attributes every good thing he does to the grace of God.
Practical Application
For a person to grow in humility, he should examine his heart honestly and not be satisfied with outward appearances of humility or humble words. He should treat others with love and respect and avoid judgment, stubbornness, and unnecessary arguments. He should also learn from everyone, accept advice, and refrain from attributing virtues or successes to his personal strength. In his prayers, he should seek God’s help even in simple matters, acknowledging his weakness and his constant need for Him. He must maintain a life of repentance and thanksgiving and avoid boasting about his gifts or good works, but should always strive to allow God’s work to be manifested in his life.
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