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Humility

To be humble is to recognize gratefully our dependence on the Lord—to understand that we have constant need for His support. Humility is an acknowledgment that our talents and abilities are gifts from God. It is not a sign of weakness, timidity, or fear; it is an indication that we know where our true strength lies. We can be both humble and fearless. We can be both humble and courageous.

Additional Information

Jesus Christ is our greatest example of humility. During His mortal ministry, He always acknowledged that His strength came because of His dependence on His Father. He said: "I can of mine own self do nothing. . . . I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me" (John 5:30).

The Lord will strengthen us as we humble ourselves before Him. James taught: "God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. . . . Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up" (James 4:6, 10).

—See True to the Faith (2004), 86–87

Scripture References

Matthew 18:4; 23:12; 26:39; Luke 22:42; 1 Peter 5:5–6; Mosiah 4:11–12; 15:6–7; Alma 5:27–28; Helaman 3:33–35; Ether 12:27; D&C 12:8; 67:10; 112:10; 136:32–33

Church Magazine Articles

  • "The Empowerment of Humility"

    Richard C. Edgley, Liahona, Nov. 2003, 97–99; or Ensign, Nov. 2003, 97–99
    The strength of the Church is in the millions of humble members striving every day to do the will of the Savior.

  • "Words of Jesus: Humility"

    Athos M. Amorim, Liahona, Mar. 2003, 38–41; or Ensign, Mar. 2003, 48–51
    "Learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart" (Matthew 11:29).

  • "To Walk Humbly with Thy God"

    Marlin K. Jensen, Liahona, July 2001, 9–12; or Ensign, May 2001, 9–11
    True humility will inevitably lead us to say to God, "Thy will be done."

  • "Beware of Pride"

    Ezra Taft Benson, Ensign, May 1989, 4–7
    Pride is the universal sin, the great vice. . . . Pride is the great stumbling block to Zion.

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