What does it look like to walk in humility? How is it that by humbling ourselves, we are actually exalted? (James 4:10) The Bible is clear that the answers to these questions are found in the person of Jesus. If we truly want to walk in humility, we must first learn to walk in His steps.
Jesus, more than anyone who ever lived, had the right to claim things like power, status, and wealth. However, when we look at Scripture, we see Jesus modeling a different way of life. Though perfect, fully God, and worthy of all our praise, Jesus chose to humble Himself and take on the form of a servant (Philippians 2:3-8). Rather than justly strike down His enemies and take the throne, Jesus died on a cross for our sin.
The following 15 passages make it clear that we are to follow Christ’s example of humility. God asks us to consider others as more significant than ourselves. So, as you read through these verses, remember that it is only because of Jesus that we can walk in humility. Pray He would give you the strength to do so daily.
“Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.’ Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you.” (1 Peter 5:5-6)
“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” (Philippians 2:3-8)
“The greatest among you shall be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” (Matthew 23:11-12)
“I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” (Ephesians 4:1-3)
“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.” (James 4:10)
“For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned.” (Romans 12:3)
“Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight.” (Romans 12:16)
“When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom.” (Proverbs 11:2)
“At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, ‘Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?’ And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them and said, ‘Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.’” (Matthew 18:1-4)
“…because your heart was tender and you humbled yourself before God when you heard his words against this place and its inhabitants, and you have humbled yourself before me and have torn your clothes and wept before me, I also have heard you, declares the LORD.” (2 Chronicles 34:27)
“The reward for humility and fear of the LORD is riches and honor and life.” (Proverbs 22:4)
“He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6:8)
“Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom.” (James 3:13)
“Good and upright is the LORD; therefore he instructs sinners in the way. He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble his way.” (Psalm 25:8-9)
“And he sat down and called the twelve. And he said to them, “If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.” (Mark 9:35)
Was this list helpful? Consider checking out the other posts in our 15 Verses Series if you are feeling anxious, out of control, or are longing for inner peace.
