What’s the difference between humility and humiliation? In a word – pride.
There are many things that happen to us in our lives. Things that make us feel embarrassed or defensive. It’s interesting to see someone react with humility. It’s refreshing to see the calm peaceful response. How do they do it?
The secret is that they have put aside their pride. They react with humility because they have allowed God to be their source of strength.
If we usually feel humiliated and offended when something negative happens it may be time to examine our hearts. Are we allowing pride to stand in the way of God’s instruction? And are we willing to set aside our own need to be right so that God may work in the situation? Or do we see each situation as a personal attack? To react with humility means to look at a negative situation and ask what God would have us learn from it instead of dwelling on how to get out of it without looking bad.
The scripture is very clear about what God thinks about being prideful.
Proverbs 29:23 A man’s pride will bring him low, But a humble spirit will obtain honor.
James 4:6 But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”