How can I humble myself when I am humiliated?

Psalm 8:3-4When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers—the moon and the stars you set in place—what are mere mortals that you should think about them, human beings that you should care for them?

Micah 6:8No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.

Luke 18:10-14“Two men went to the Temple to pray. One was a Pharisee, and the other was a despised tax collector. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed this prayer: ‘I thank you, God, that I am not like other people—cheaters, sinners, adulterers. I’m certainly not like that tax collector! I fast twice a week, and I give you a tenth of my income.’ But the tax collector stood at a distance and dared not even lift his eyes to heaven as he prayed. Instead, he beat his chest in sorrow, saying, ‘O God, be merciful to me, for I am a sinner.’ I tell you, this sinner, not the Pharisee, returned home justified before God. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

John 1:27, 30“Though his [Jesus’] ministry follows mine [John the Baptist’s], I’m not even worthy to be his slave and untie the straps of his sandal.” . . . “He is the one I was talking about when I said, ‘A man is coming after me who is far greater than I am, for he existed long before me.’”

Humbling ourselves is the natural result of our realizing who God is and who we are in comparison.

Romans 11:20Yes, but remember—those branches [the Jewish people] were broken off because they didn’t believe in Christ, and you [Gentile believers] are there because you do believe. So don’t think highly of yourself, but fear what could happen.

Romans 12:3Because of the privilege and authority God has given me, I give each of you this warning: Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us.

Philippians 2:3Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves.

Humility comes from seeing ourselves as God sees us. We are also humbled when we see others as God sees them. When we love and value others as God does, we are taking an important step toward humility.

Luke 1:48[Mary:] “For he took notice of his lowly servant girl, and from now on all generations will call me blessed.”

Luke 14:7-11When Jesus noticed that all who had come to the dinner were trying to sit in the seats of honor near the head of the table, he gave them this advice: “When you are invited to a wedding feast, don’t sit in the seat of honor. What if someone who is more distinguished than you has also been invited? The host will come and say, ‘Give this person your seat.’ Then you will be embarrassed, and you will have to take whatever seat is left at the foot of the table! Instead, take the lowest place at the foot of the table. Then when your host sees you, he will come and say, ‘Friend, we have a better place for you!’ Then you will be honored in front of all the other guests. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

Luke 22:26“But among you it will be different. Those who are the greatest among you should take the lowest rank, and the leader should be like a servant.”

Acts 20:19“I have done the Lord’s work humbly and with many tears. I have endured the trials that came to me from the plots of the Jews.”

1 Peter 5:5In the same way, you who are younger must accept the authority of the elders. And all of you, dress yourselves in humility as you relate to one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

Humility is a lifestyle of service to God.

2 Kings 22:19“‘You were sorry and humbled yourself before the Lord when you heard what I said against this city and its people—that this land would be cursed and become desolate. You tore your clothing in despair and wept before me in repentance. And I have indeed heard you, says the Lord.’”

Titus 3:2They must not slander anyone and must avoid quarreling. Instead, they should be gentle and show true humility to everyone.

Humility affects how we interact with God and others.