UNIVERSAL GOD: Message of Peace
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Promoting peace and harmony from an Abrahamic perspective
Humility
What is Humility?
Humility is the quality of having a modest or low view of one's importance. The absence of any feelings of being better than others.
Why is Humility important?
Humility is a crucial quality to have because it enables us to acknowledge our limitations and weaknesses. It encourages us to be receptive to learning from others and to embrace constructive criticism. Additionally, humility enhances our empathy and understanding towards others, fostering stronger relationships and a more positive influence on the world around us.
To grasp the significance of humility, let's consider the damage that arrogance and pride—the opposites of humility—can cause. How do we feel when someone acts or speaks in a way that suggests they think they are 'better' than others? When we are arrogant or proud, we are less inclined to listen to others' viewpoints, engage in self-reflection, practice mindfulness, or be open to different perspectives on 'truth.' Arrogance often diminishes the level of compassionate kindness we show to others, making them less willing to listen to us. Consequently, success in relationships and other life areas tends to be short-lived, if achieved at all.
Much of humanity is divided due to conflict, mutual jealousy, pride, arrogance, and the belief that we are right while others are wrong. This division largely stems from our lack of humility, which hinders our ability to discern right from wrong. With humility comes awareness and understanding, making us more likely to grow spiritually, respect, love, and forgive one another. We are less prone to argue or fight over land, power, or material wealth because the more humble we are, the more we wish to share our blessings with others, feel less entitled to them, or use them to help others as a gesture of gratitude.
Rather than 'blaming God' for events in our lives that we may view negatively, humility reminds us that He knows best and that everything is given by Him in due measure. He is the Best of Planners, and what we perceive as bad may actually be good, and what seems good may, in fact, be bad for us.
How can Humility help us?
Humility is a valuable trait that offers numerous benefits. It helps us acknowledge our limitations and fosters personal growth. By cultivating humility, we enhance our empathy and understanding, improving our collaboration in teams. This trait also allows us to form meaningful relationships and promotes spiritual growth by learning from others and our experiences. Embracing humility encourages us to treat others with the respect and kindness we desire, leading to success in our relationships with both our Creator and His creation.
What distinguishes one person as 'better' than another? We all have the freedom to believe as we choose, yet some may mistakenly view their blessings as a sign of superiority. Consider the factors beyond our control: the color of our skin, our family background, or our education. Did we truly earn our material wealth, or was it given to us? Reflecting on these questions reveals that many of our advantages are not solely due to our own merit. This realization fosters humility, gratitude, and encourages us to share our blessings with those in need. Having blessings does not make us superior; rather, it tests our humility and gratitude.
For those who believe in a Creator, life's experiences highlight the fleeting nature of our blessings when we fail to appreciate them or become arrogant. We must remember that we are not entirely self-sufficient and that our free will allows us to use our blessings wisely. Let us express gratitude by helping those less fortunate, without looking down on them. They may utilize their blessings in ways we cannot see. Scriptures remind us that true superiority comes from how we use our blessings to worship God and support others. Only God knows our intentions, and we should refrain from judgment. The person we underestimate may be more pleasing to God than we are. Let us remain humble and seek His guidance to foster harmonious relationships with Him and all His creations.
How can Humility help others?
Humility can be a powerful tool for helping others. When we approach situations with a humble attitude, we are more open to listening and learning from others. This can lead to better communication, understanding, and ultimately, more effective solutions to problems. By practising humility, we can create a more supportive and collaborative environment that benefits everyone involved.
Our level of humility plays a significant role in our ability to connect with others, regardless of their race, religion, or background. How we feel in the presence of those who are boastful and arrogant differs greatly from how we feel around those who are humble and admit their mistakes. By being modest and humble ourselves, we can make others feel more comfortable and be their authentic selves in our presence. This, in turn, helps to foster love, compassion, and trustworthy relationships. When we behave modestly, we reduce feelings of envy and jealousy in others, making it easier for them to like us and build relationships with us. By understanding and valuing others, we create an environment where everyone can be true to themselves and use their blessings to help one another.
The more we embrace humility, the more we recognise our interconnectedness as part of one soul and existence. This awareness allows us to perceive our surroundings with unity, focusing on our commonalities rather than our differences. We acknowledge that there is no deity but God, the only one worthy of worship. By releasing conflict and anger, we refrain from assuming we are always right. Our actions are not about competing with others, but about pleasing God and following His divine will. We trust in His judgment, seek His guidance, and express gratitude by serving Him to the best of our abilities.
How can we become more Humble?
To become more humble, it's important to practice self-reflection and acknowledge our own limitations and mistakes. We can also learn from others and be open to feedback, as well as show empathy and respect towards everyone we interact with. By cultivating a mindset of humility, we can become more compassionate, understanding, and effective in our personal and professional relationships.
Life has a way of surprising us and reminding us that we are not always in control. Whether it's losing a loved one or facing a crisis that strips away our sense of security, these events can humble us and make us realise the importance of gratitude. It's during these challenging times that we often turn to a higher power for guidance and support. Ultimately, these experiences help us grow, become more appreciative, and understand that life is fragile.
Forgiveness is a powerful tool that can help us move on from past hurts and improve our relationships with others.
Here 10 ways to become more forgiving:
1) Practice empathy and try to see things from the other person's perspective.
2 Let go of grudges and focus on the present moment.
3) Communicate openly and honestly with the person hurt you.
4) Take responsibility for your own actions and emotions.
5) Practice self-compassion and be kind to yourself.
6) Set healthy boundaries to protect yourself from future harm.
7) Seek support from trusted friends or a therapist.
8) Practice mindfulness and meditation to cultivate inner peace.
9) Remember that forgiveness is a process, not a one-time event.
10) Choose to forgive for your own well-being, not just for the other person.
Scripture quotes on ‘Humility.’
'When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.' Proverbs 11:2
'Pride brings a person low, but the lowly in spirit gain honour.' Proverbs 29:23
'Humility is the fear of the Lord; its wages are riches and honour and life.' Proverbs 22:4
'Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.' Matthew 11:29-30
'Before a downfall the heart is haughty, but humility comes before honour.' Proverbs 18:12
Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, “Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.' Mark 9:35
'So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honoured by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full.' Matthew 6:2
'Wisdom’s instruction is to fear the Lord, and humility comes before honour.' Proverbs 15:33
'Good and upright is the Lord; therefore he instructs sinners in his ways. He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way.' Psalm 25:8-9
'Then he said to them, “Whoever welcomes this little child in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. For it is the one who is least among you all who is the greatest.”' Luke 9:48
'He must become greater; I must become less.' John 3:30
'For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.' Mark 10:45
'Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven, because everything he does is right and all his ways are just. And those who walk in pride he is able to humble.' Daniel 4:37
'Not to us, Lord, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness.' Psalm 115:1
'When you fast, do not look sombre as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full.' Matthew 6:16
'Woe to those who quarrel with their Maker, those who are nothing but potsherds among the potsherds on the ground. Does the clay say to the potter, ‘What are you making? ‘Does your work say, ‘The potter has no hands’?' Isaiah 45:9
'Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. John 13:14 | NIV
Come; let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker.' Psalm 95:6
'The Lord sends poverty and wealth; he humbles and he exalts.' 1 Samuel 2:7
'Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.' Zechariah 9:9
'Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave.' Matthew 20:26-27
'What is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them?' Psalm 8:4
‘The servants of the Most Merciful are those who walk upon the earth in humility, and when the ignorant address them, they say words of peace.’ Quran 25:63
‘Call upon your Lord with humility and in private. Verily, He does not love transgressors.’ Quran 7:55
‘Remember your Lord in yourselves with humility and in private without announcing it in the mornings and evening, and do not be among the heedless.’ Quran 7:205
‘Lower to your parents the wing of humility out of mercy and say: My Lord, have mercy upon them as they brought me up when I was small.’ Quran 17:24
‘Successful indeed are the believers who humble themselves in their prayers.’ Quran 23:02
‘And turn not your face away from men with pride, nor walk in insolence through the earth. Verily God likes not each arrogant boaster.’ Quran 31:18
‘And we have already sent messengers to nations before you, then we seized them with poverty and hardship that perhaps they might humble themselves.’ Quran 6:42
‘Give good news to the humble-hearted.’ Quran 22:34
‘Indeed, they who have believed and done righteous deeds and humbled themselves to their Lord- those are the companions of Paradise; they will abide eternally therein.’ Quran 11:23