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How do we put on humility (Colossians 3:12)?

How do we put on humility (Colossians 3:12)?
Restoration Kingdom Living Christian Life

TL;DR:

Humility isn’t thinking less of yourself—it’s remembering that everything you have, including your salvation, is a gift of God’s grace. Putting on humility is a choice that puts Christ above self, gives God the credit, and willingly serves others.

what does the bible say?

The Bible shows that we put on humility by reminding ourselves how it connects to our status as children of God and is exemplified in Christ. Believers are also humbled when we realize that our gifts, and especially our salvation, are from God's grace. The Old Testament links believers' obedience to their status as God's holy people (Leviticus 11:44; cf. Leviticus 19:2, 20:26). As children of God, believers submit to God's wisdom as expressed in His word (1 Corinthians 4:6). Many of the Proverbs show the value of humility and the folly of pride (Proverbs 11:2, 15:33, 16:18-19, 18:12, 22:4, 29:23). Paul spoke of putting on humility as if it is clothing, a new set of clothes for believers' new identity in Christ (Colossians 3:12; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Ephesians 4:22-24). The new identity comes with the humbling awareness that all gifts and, indeed, salvation itself are given by God's grace rather than our works (1 Corinthians 1:28-29; James 1:17). May we live humbly!

from the old testament

  • We can put on humility when we see how often God's word speaks of the wisdom of humility (Proverbs 11:2, 15:33, 16:18-19, 18:12, 22:4, 29:23).
  • Colossians 3:12 highlights believers' status as God's holy people, encouraging them to adopt an attitude of humility. This aligns with how God frequently called His people to obey Him by saying, "Be holy, for I am holy" (Leviticus 11:44; cf. Leviticus 19:2, 20:26).

from the new testament

  • Paul uses the metaphor of putting on clothing to show that, as believers, we put on humility: "Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience" (Colossians 3:12). Humility is part of our new nature in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17; Ephesians 4:22-24).
  • We put on humility by remembering we are saved only by the grace of God, not through anything we have done (Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:5).
  • Christ is our example for humility. Christians put on humility because He "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 2:8). He taught that to be great, we must put ourselves last (Matthew 23:11; Mark 10:44-45).
  • Part of putting on humility means submitting to God's ways as explained in His word and not going beyond that. Paul cautioned believers in Corinth, "not to go beyond what is written, that none of you may be puffed up in favor of one against another" (1 Corinthians 4:6). The Jewish religious leaders of Jesus' time went beyond the law because they saw themselves as arbiters of righteousness rather than God as the ultimate source (Matthew 23:4).
  • We put on humility by recognizing that all our gifts are from God (1 Corinthians 1:28-29; James 1:17).

implications for today

An old joke says that when you say, "I'm humble," you've automatically contradicted your claim.

Jokes aside, Christian humility doesn't have to be announced to be real. It's an attitude that is lived out every day. Rather than "taking the credit" for a project at work, a Christian might highlight the team's work and talk about what others contributed. Instead of blasting someone on social media for the many, well, silly things they post, we can show grace and let it go. We don't have to "win" every disagreement online or in person (Proverbs 19:11).

For Christians, putting on humility means recognizing that not everything in life revolves around us. Our lives are Christ-centered, not self-centered. He humbled Himself for our salvation. Surely, that should humble us.

understand

  • Paul uses the metaphor of putting on clothes to tell believers to "put on" humility (Colossians 3:12).
  • Understanding our sin and our salvation by God's grace alone (not works) helps believers to be humble.
  • Humility involves submitting to God's way rather than our way.

reflect

  • What are some areas of pride in your life, and how can you seek to put on humility instead?
  • How does the need to practice humility impact your everyday life?
  • How does Christ's example of humility impact your life?

engage

  • What are some dangers of not putting on humility?
  • How can believers encourage others without puffing them up?
  • How is humility antithetical to the secular world's values, and how can it serve as a witness to a watching world?

More Resources

Theology What does the Bible teach about humility?

What does the Bible teach about humility?

Humility isn't thinking less of yourself—it's thinking rightly about yourself in light of who God is. When you fix your eyes on Jesus, pride loses its grip and you can live from a right heart posture of surrender to Him.
Sin Is all pride bad?

Is all pride bad?

Not all pride is sinful—but the object of your pride makes all the difference. Pride that exalts yourself leads to destruction, while pride that exalts what God has done brings Him glory.
Christian Life Does the Bible teach about how to humble yourself?

Does the Bible teach about how to humble yourself?

The Bible teaches us to humble ourselves by recognizing who God is, who we are in light of His holiness, and responding with gratitude, surrender, and service. True humility grows as we follow Christ’s example, read God’s Word, and shift our focus from ourselves to loving God and others well.
Christian Life Is pride always a sin?

Is pride always a sin?

Pride isn't always a sin—but making yourself the center of the story always is. The Bible condemns self-exaltation while encouraging us to boast in the only One who never fails: Jesus Christ.