Ephesians 4:2 – “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” – (NIV)
Ephesians 4:2 “With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love” – (NKJV)
Have you ever met an angry Christian?
It’s an unsettling contradiction, isn’t it? Someone who proclaims faith in Jesus (who is called the Prince of Peace) yet lives with a constant edge of irritation, criticism, or harshness. Maybe you’ve encountered such people. Or, if you’re honest, maybe you’ve caught glimpses of that same spirit in yourself.
It’s easy to fall into the trap. The longer we walk the path of faith, the more we learn, the more we grow, and the more familiar we become with spiritual truths. If we’re not careful, that knowledge can slowly harden into pride. We can start seeing ourselves as “ahead” of others, more righteous, more enlightened, more… deserving. It’s subtle, but dangerous.
The gospel of Jesus tells a very different story.
That’s why humility isn’t just a virtue for Christians—it’s a necessity.
In Ephesians 4:2, Paul writes, “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” These aren’t lofty ideals for the spiritually elite—they’re basic instructions for how we are called to live with one another. They’re rooted not in religious performance, but in the way Jesus lived and loved.
Think about Jesus: the Son of God, kneeling to wash dusty feet. Speaking kindly to outcasts. Welcoming children. Restoring the broken. Forgiving the ones who hurt Him. Every interaction dripped with grace, gentleness, and compassion.
If anyone had the right to be proud or condescending, it was Jesus. Yet He chose humility. If we claim to follow Him, how can we do any less?
So what does humility look like in everyday life?
Sometimes it looks like staying quiet when you’d rather win an argument. Sometimes it’s offering a kind word when you’re feeling misunderstood or overlooked. It may mean slowing down long enough to listen—to really listen—when someone is hurting. It can mean apologizing when you’ve been wrong, or forgiving when you’ve been wounded.
Humility IS NOT weakness: it’s strength under control. It’s choosing to lift others up rather than elevate ourselves. It’s living from the deep awareness that everything we are and have is a gift.
And here’s the truth: when we choose humility, we actually become more like Jesus. We reflect His heart to the world around us. We create space for others to feel seen, heard, and loved. We open doors for real healing and connection to take place.
So today, take a moment to pause and reflect. Ask yourself:
Where have I allowed pride to sneak in?
Who do I need to be more patient or gentle with?
How can I extend the same grace to others that God has extended to me?
The world is already full of anger and noise. What it needs more of are humble people who carry the quiet power of love. Make the choice to live humbly. Not because you have to—but because love calls you to. Amen.
