The grace of God is not poured out upon the heart that exalts itself, but upon the one that humbles itself.
Humility is not pretending to be less than you are, nor speaking ill of yourself. It is the light that enables you to see yourself as God sees you: with the gifts you have received and the weaknesses you still carry. The humble person neither boasts of the former nor despairs because of the latter.
The proud rely upon their own strength and fall when it fails them. The humble rely upon God, and even if they stumble, they are not overcome, for the Lord’s hand raises them up. Thus humility does not weaken the soul; it strengthens it through grace.
Receive correction without rushing to justify yourself. Receive praise without keeping it for yourself. Receive trials without complaining. In all these things, the heart gradually learns to rest not in human opinion, but in the will of God.
Do not seek to be above your brother. Seek instead to be nearer to Christ. The closer you draw to Him, the more clearly you will see that every good within you is His gift, and this vision will give birth to the humility that draws grace.
“Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time.” (1 Peter 5:6)
