What are the attributes of and rewards for humility as stated in the Epistles?

Answer Details

Attributes of, and rewards for, humility in the Epistles

The Epistles present humility as a fundamental Christian virtue, patterned after Christ, and promise definite rewards to the humble.

Attributes of humility

• Christ-likeness and self-emptying: Paul urges believers to have the mind of Christ, who, though in the form of God, emptied Himself, took the form of a servant, and humbled Himself to death on the cross (Philippians 2:5-8).
• Lowliness of mind: "In lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself," looking not only to one's own interests but also to those of others (Philippians 2:3-4).
• Not thinking too highly of oneself: "Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought," but soberly, according to the measure of faith God has given (Romans 12:3).
• Submission and readiness to serve: the humble submit to one another, clothe themselves with humility, and are willing to associate with the lowly (1 Peter 5:5; Romans 12:16).
• Gentleness, patience and forbearance: humility shows in bearing with one another in love, being gentle and patient (Ephesians 4:1-2; Colossians 3:12).
• Dependence on God: the humble cast their cares on God and acknowledge that every good gift comes from Him (1 Peter 5:6-7).

Rewards for humility

• God gives grace to the humble while resisting the proud (James 4:6; 1 Peter 5:5).
• Exaltation in due time: "Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time" (1 Peter 5:6); "Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up" (James 4:10).
• Christ's own exaltation is the pattern: because Jesus humbled Himself, God highly exalted Him and gave Him the name above every name (Philippians 2:9-11).
• Unity, peace and honour within the community, and ultimately eternal reward from God.