Humility

I would now like to share with you the importance of humility in the Orthodox Church. Humility means seeing ourselves truthfully—acknowledging our weaknesses, giving glory to God, and treating others with love and respect. It is the root of all other virtues.

Christ Himself showed humility. Jesus is our perfect example. Saint Paul writes: “He humbled Himself and became obedient unto death, even death on a cross” (Philippians 2:8). If the Son of God chose humility, then we too must follow His example.

God blesses the humble. The Bible says: “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6). Pride closes us off from God, but humility opens our hearts to receive His grace.

Humility is greater than outward success. Jesus taught: “Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted” (Matthew 23:12). In God’s eyes, humility is more valuable than power, riches, or fame.

Humility leads us to prayer and repentance. The tax collector in Jesus’ parable prayed, “God, be merciful to me, a sinner” (Luke 18:13). Jesus said this man, not the proud Pharisee, went home justified. Humility brings us closer to God because it teaches us to depend on His mercy.

Humility shapes how we treat others. Saint Paul tells us: “Do nothing from selfishness or conceit, but in humility count others better than yourselves” (Philippians 2:3). True humility is not putting ourselves down, but lifting others up in love.

Humility is the path to holiness. The Orthodox Church teaches that no one can grow in virtue without humility. Saint Peter reminds us: “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that in due time He may exalt you” (1 Peter 5:6).

Humility is the key to Christian life. It makes us open to God’s grace, draws us close to Christ, and fills us with love for others.

With love in Christ,
Fr. Charles

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