Humility and Gratitude in Christian Spirituality

Humility and gratitude are central virtues in Christian spirituality, frequently presented in the New Testament as essential characteristics of believers and as reflections of Christ's own life ^{[1, 2]}. Humility is defined as a state of mind pleasing to God, preserving tranquility, and fostering patience under trials ^[1]. Gratitude, often expressed as thanksgiving, is commanded in scripture and exemplified by Christ himself ^[7].

Humility in Christian Thought

The concept of humility is deeply rooted in biblical teachings. The Old Testament highlights humility as necessary for serving God (Micah 6:8) and as a quality that God regards and responds to (Psalm 138:6; Isaiah 66:2) ^[2]. Proverbs 29:23 states that "The pride of man humbleth him, And humility of spirit upholdeth honour" ^[5]. This suggests a direct correlation between humility and honor, contrasting it with the self-destructive nature of pride ^[5].

In the New Testament, humility is presented as a prominent Christian grace ^[1]. The Apostle Paul frequently refers to it, as seen in Romans 12:3, 1 Corinthians 3:5-7, and Philippians 4:11-13 ^[1]. James 4:6 explicitly states, "God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble" ^[6]. This verse underscores the divine favor bestowed upon the humble and the divine opposition to pride ^[6]. John Gill, in his commentary on Romans 11:22, notes that considering both God's goodness and severity is proper for abating pride and encouraging humility ^[13]. Similarly, Gill describes humility as having "mean thoughts of himself, in walking humbly with God, acknowledging every favour, being thankful for every blessing, and depending on his grace, and in behaving with modesty and humility among men" ^[9].

Christ as the Embodiment of Humility

Jesus Christ is presented as the ultimate example of humility ^{[1, 2]}. He declared himself "meek and lowly in heart" (Matthew 11:29) ^[3]. His humility was demonstrated throughout his life, from his birth in humble circumstances (Luke 2:4-7) to his subjection to his parents (Luke 2:51) and his choice of a modest station in life (Matthew 13:55) ^[3]. He embraced poverty (Luke 9:58), partook in human infirmities (Hebrews 4:15), and submitted to ordinances like baptism (Matthew 3:13-15) ^[3]. Christ's humility is particularly evident in his willingness to become a servant (Matthew 20:28; Philippians 2:7), associating with the despised (Matthew 9:10-11), refusing worldly honors (John 5:41), and washing his disciples' feet (John 13:5) ^[3].

The Apostle Paul exhorts believers to "Let this mind be in you, which also was in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 2:5), referring to Christ's profound humility ^[12]. Gill interprets this passage as proposing Christ as the "great pattern and exemplar of humility," particularly in his assumption of human nature and his submission to suffering and death ^[12]. This example serves to encourage lowliness of mind among believers ^[12].

The Nature and Effects of Humility

Humility is not merely an outward behavior but an inward disposition. John Chrysostom, an early Church Father, emphasizes "intense humility," drawing on Psalm 51:16-17, which speaks of a "broken and a contrite heart" as a sacrifice God will not despise ^[11]. He likens this to a "broken" bodily substance that will not rise against what is "solid," suggesting that deep humility prevents arrogance ^[11].

Humility is also linked to spiritual growth and divine favor. Those who are humble are regarded, heard, and delivered by God ^[2]. They enjoy God's presence (Isaiah 57:15) and are lifted up and exalted by Him (James 4:10; Luke 14:11) ^[2]. Furthermore, humility is said to lead to riches, honor, and increased grace (Proverbs 3:34; James 4:6) ^[2]. Jamieson, Fausset & Brown, in their commentary on 1 Peter 3:8, note that "humble-minded" marks a genuine Christian politeness, distinct from worldly politeness, and is stamped with unfeigned love and humility ^[14].

The Tyndale House commentary on Titus 3:3 connects humility to the believer's past state before God's kindness and love intervened, suggesting that a remembrance of one's former condition should naturally lead to humility ^[8]. This perspective aligns with the idea that humility is fostered by a remembrance of one's sins (Lamentations 3:39) ^[1].

Gratitude in Christian Thought

Gratitude, often expressed as thanksgiving, is another cornerstone of Christian spirituality. It is presented as a commanded practice and a good thing (Psalm 92:1) ^[7]. Believers are called to offer thanksgiving to God, through Christ, and in the name of Christ (Psalm 50:14; Colossians 3:17; Ephesians 5:20) ^[7]. This practice extends to various aspects of life, including private and public worship, in everything, and even before meals (Daniel 6:10; 1 Thessalonians 5:18; John 6:11) ^[7].

Christ himself set an example of thanksgiving, as seen in Matthew 11:25, Matthew 26:27, and John 11:41 ^[7]. The heavenly host is also depicted as engaged in thanksgiving (Revelation 4:9; 7:11-12) ^[7]. This demonstrates that gratitude is not merely a human obligation but a cosmic act of worship.

The Contrast with Ingratitude

The importance of gratitude is further highlighted by the negative portrayal of ingratitude in scripture. Ingratitude is identified as a characteristic of the wicked (Psalm 38:20; 2 Timothy 3:2) ^[4]. The Bible provides numerous examples of ingratitude, such as Laban's treatment of Jacob (Genesis 31:6-7), the chief butler's forgetfulness of Joseph (Genesis 40:23), and Israel's complaints despite God's deliverance (Exodus 17:4) ^[4]. These examples serve as warnings against the spiritual dangers of an ungrateful heart.

Saints are admonished to avoid ingratitude and to respond to it with prayer, faithfulness, and persevering love (Psalm 35:12-13; Genesis 31:38-42; 2 Corinthians 12:15) ^[4]. Punishment is also associated with ingratitude (Proverbs 17:13; Jeremiah 18:20-21) ^[4].

Gratitude and Grace

The relationship between gratitude and grace is significant. Jamieson, Fausset & Brown, in their commentary on Hebrews 12:28, discuss the phrase "let us have grace." While some interpret "grace" here as "thankfulness," the commentary argues for the meaning of "Gospel grace," which is the work of the Spirit producing faith and exhibited in serving God ^[10]. This suggests that true gratitude flows from an understanding and reception of God's grace, enabling believers to serve Him ^[10].

Sources

Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Humility — A prominent Christian grace (Rom. 12:3; 15:17, 18; 1 Cor. 3:5-7; 2 Cor. 3:5; Phil. 4:11-13). It is a state of mind well pleasing to God (1 Pet. 3:4); it preserves the soul in tranquillity (Ps. 69:32, 33), and makes us patient under trials (Job 1:22). Christ has set us an example of humility (Phil. 2:6-8). We should be led thereto by a remembrance of our sins (Lam. 3:39), and by the thought that it is the way to honour (Prov. 16:18), and that the greatest promises are made to the humble (Ps. 147:6; Isa. 57:15; 66:2; 1 Pet. 5:5). It is a "great paradox in Ch”
Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Humility — Necessary to the service of God -- Mic 6:8. Christ an example of -- Mt 11:29; Joh 13:14,15; Php 2:5-8. A characteristic of saints -- Ps 34:2. The who have Regarded by God. -- Ps 138:6; Isa 66:2. Heard by God. -- Ps 9:12; Isa 10:17. Enjoy the presence of God. -- Isa 57:15. Delivered by God. -- Job 22:29. Lifted up by God. -- Jas 4:10. Exalted by God. -- Lu 14:11; 18:14. Are greatest in Christ's kingdom. -- Mt 18:4; 20:26-28. Receive more grace. -- Pr 3:34; Jas 4:6. Upheld by honour. -- Pr 18:12; 29:23. Is before honour -- Pr 15:33. Leads to riches, honour, ”
Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Humility of Christ, The — Declared by himself -- Mt 11:29. Exhibited in his Taking our nature. -- Php 2:7; Heb 2:16. Birth. -- Lu 2:4-7. Subjection to his parents. -- Lu 2:51. Station in life. -- Mt 13:55; Joh 9:29. Poverty. -- Lu 9:58; 2Co 8:9. Partaking of our infirmities. -- Heb 4:15; 5:7. Submitting to ordinances. -- Mt 3:13-15. Becoming a servant. -- Mt 20:28; Lu 22:27; Php 2:7. Associating with the despised. -- Mt 9:10,11; Lu 15:1,2. Refusing honours. -- Joh 5:41; 6:15. Entry into Jerusalem. -- Zec 9:9; Mt 21:5,7. Washing his disciples' feet. -- Joh 13:5. Obedi”
Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Ingratitude — A characteristic of the wicked -- Ps 38:20; 2Ti 3:2. Often exhibited By relations. -- Job 19:14. By servants. -- Job 19:15,16. To benefactors. -- Ps 109:5; Ec 9:15. To friends in distress. -- Ps 38:11. Saints should avoid the guilt of -- Ps 7:4,5. Should be met with Prayers. -- Ps 35:12,13; 109:4. Faithfulness. -- Ge 31:38-42. Persevering love. -- 2Co 12:15. Punishment of -- Pr 17:13; Jer 18:20,21. Exemplified Laban. -- Ge 31:6,7. Chief butler. -- Ge 40:23. Israel. -- Ex 17:4. Men of Keilah. -- 1Sa 23:5,12. Saul. -- 1Sa 24:17. Nabal. -- 1Sa 25:5-11,21. ”
Proverbs “Proverbs 29:23 (YLT) — The pride of man humbleth him, And humility of spirit upholdeth honour.”
James “But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” -- James 4:6”
Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Thanksgiving — Christ set an example of -- Mt 11:25; 26:27; Joh 6:11; 11:41. The heavenly host engaged in -- Re 4:9; 7:11,12; 11:16,17. Commanded -- Ps 50:14; Php 4:6. Is a good thing -- Ps 92:1. Should be offered To God. -- Ps 50:14. To Christ. -- 1Ti 1:12. Through Christ. -- Ro 1:8; Col 3:17; Heb 13:15. In the name of Christ. -- Eph 5:20. In behalf of ministers. -- 2Co 1:11. In private worship. -- Da 6:10. In public worship. -- Ps 35:18. In everything. -- 1Th 5:18. Upon the completion of great undertakings. -- Ne 12:31,40. Before taking food. -- Joh 6:11; Ac 27:35.”
Titus (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Titus 3:3: 3:3 Humility (3:2) is fitting, considering our state when God’s kindness and love came to us (3:4; see Eph 2:1-4; 5:8; Col 3:7; 1 Pet 4:3).”
Galatians (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Galatians 5:22: Meekness,.... Humility and lowliness of mind, of which Christ is an eminent example and pattern; and which the Holy Spirit from him transcribes into the heart of a regenerate person; and lies in having mean thoughts of himself, in walking humbly with God, acknowledging every favour, being thankful for every blessing, and depending on his grace, and in behaving with modesty and humility among men. The last of the fruits of the Spirit mentioned is temperance, or "continence"; and designs both chastity and sobriety, and particularly moderation in eating and drinking”
Hebrews (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Hebrews 12:28: receiving--as we do, in prospect and sure hope, also in the possession of the Spirit the first-fruits. This is our privilege as Christians. let us have grace--"let us have thankfulness" [ALFORD after CHRYSOSTOM]. But (1) this translation is according to classical Greek, not Paul's phraseology for "to be thankful." (2) "To God" would have been in that case added. (3) "Whereby we may serve God," suits the English Version "grace" (that is Gospel grace, the work of the Spirit, producing faith exhibited in serving God), but does not suit "thankfulness."”
CCEL/NPNF (Eastern Orthodox) “John Chrysostom, Homilies on Galatians–Colossians–Thessalonians: cause of all good; and that you may learn this, listen to the prophet, saying, “Hadst thou desired sacrifice, I would have given it: Thou wilt not delight in burnt offerings. The sacrifice for God is a broken spirit, a broken and a contrite heart God will not despise.” 584 584 [Quoted, of course, from the Sept., which here differs considerably from the Hebrew.—J.A.B.] ( Ps. li. 16, 17 .) Not simply humility, but intense humility. As in the case of bodily substances, that which is “broken” will not rise against that which is “soli”
Philippians (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Philippians 2:5: Let this mind be in you,.... The Arabic version renders it, "let that humility be perceived in you". The apostle proposes Christ as the great pattern and exemplar of humility; and instances in his assumption of human nature, and in his subjection to all that meanness, and death itself, even the death of the cross in it; and which he mentions with this view, to engage the saints to lowliness of mind, in imitation of him; to show forth the same temper and disposition of mind in their practice, which also was in Christ Jesus; or as the Syriac version, "think ye the”
Romans (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Romans 11:22: Behold therefore the goodness, and severity of God,.... The consideration of both the grace and kindness of God to some, and his severity or strict justice towards others, is recommended by the apostle as very proper to abate pride, vain glory, and haughtiness of spirit; and to engage to humility, fear, care, and caution; on them which fell, severity: the Jews who stumbled at Christ and his Gospel, and fell by unbelief, God in strict justice and righteous judgment not only destroyed, as afterwards their nation, city, and temple, and scattered them abroad in the wor”
1 Peter (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Peter 3:8: General summary of relative duty, after having detailed particular duties from Pe1 2:18. of one mind--as to the faith. having compassion one of another--Greek, "sympathizing" in the joy and sorrow of others. love as brethren--Greek, "loving the brethren." pitiful--towards the afflicted. courteous--genuine Christian politeness; not the tinsel of the world's politeness; stamped with unfeigned love on one side, and humility on the other. But the oldest manuscripts read, "humble-minded." It is slightly different from "humble," in that it marks a ”

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