Devotional for Humility

Society tells us to boast about our accomplishments through use of all of our social media outlets. We brag about our kids, our family, our job, and our super cool craft we created.

People often boast or brag to elevate their self-esteem. We often worry, are we good enough? Accolades from others then tells us we are. But should it matter what other’s think? Who really should we be trying to impress?

Humility, then is the state of not believing you are better than other people. It is being modest and quiet about your talents and own importance. Humility hinders us from judging others and allows us to courteously respect them and serve them.

True biblical humility isn’t thinking less of yourself—it’s thinking of yourself less. It’s knowing you are deeply loved and valued by God (so you don’t have to prove your worth), and recognizing every other person is made in God’s image and carries eternal worth too.

Jesus—the King of kings—washed dirty feet and died for people who rejected Him. That’s our model.

Jesus lived His time on Earth with the greatest level of humility. And as Christians we are called to live like Jesus. The bible is filled with verses encouraging us to be modest and live in humility.

Jesus showed us perfect humility: ‘Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant… he humbled himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross!’ (Philippians 2:6-8). That’s the humility we’re invited into.

In marriage, humility looks like:

Saying ‘I was wrong; will you forgive me?’ quickly
Celebrating your spouse’s strengths instead of competing
Serving when you’re tired and it’s ‘not your turn’
Listening fully instead of needing to be right
Praying ‘Lord, change ME first’ instead of ‘Lord, fix my spouse’

Take the time to read the below bible scriptures and truly focus on what they are saying to you. Some passages may touch you differently than others. Writing down the verses in your own hand is helpful for some individuals. Possibly looking up the verses in your own bible may be beneficial. I use a NIV bible translation. Or reading them over and over to commit to memory. Whatever method works best for you to experience God’s words and feel closer to Him.

Proverbs 11:2

When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.

Proverbs 15:33

The fear of the Lord teaches a man wisdom, and humility comes before honor.

Proverbs 18:12

Before his downfall a man’s heart is proud, but humility comes before honor.

Proverbs 22:4

Humility and the fear of the Lord bring wealth and honor and life.

Zephaniah 2:3

Seek the Lord, all you humble of the land, you who do what he commands. Seek righteousness, seek humility; perhaps you will be sheltered on the day of the Lord’s anger.

Philippians 2:3

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.

Colossians 3:12

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

James 3:13

Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.

James 4:10

Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.

1 Peter 5:5-6

Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.

Micah 6:8

He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.

Here's a short prayer if you are struggling to find the words:

Father, forgive me for the ways I’ve wanted to be noticed, admired, or proven right. Teach me to walk in the humble love of Jesus. Help me consider others—especially my spouse and family—as more important than myself today. Fill me with Your grace so I can serve without needing credit. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Today, try one of these:

Tell your spouse one thing you genuinely admire about them—no ‘but’ attached.
Do one act of service for your family that no one will notice or thank you for.
When you’re tempted to post or talk about an accomplishment, pause and ask, ‘Am I doing this to serve or to be seen?’

God Bless,

Melissa