God Gives Grace to the Humble: A Reflection on Pride and Selflessness
I often return to quotes on humility when I feel pride creeping in.
They help me pause—and reflect. Scroll below for some that continue to shape my thinking.
Over and over again, I’ve realized something:
Humility isn’t something you perform. It’s something you possess.
It’s not a skill you master—it’s a posture of the heart.
C.S. Lewis once said, “Humility is not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less.”
But in a world that constantly reminds me of what I should do, who I should be, how I should feel, and why I deserve more, it’s hard to think of anyone but… me.
The Me, Myself, and I Trap
We live in a world that teaches us to be self-preserving, self-promoting, and self-absorbed.
The message is everywhere:
You should be the best.
You should be loved.
You should never lose.
And so, I focus on myself first.
Not just out of pride—but out of protection.
Because if I don’t look out for me, who will?
That’s the lie pride tells.
And it’s costlier than we know.
The Core of My Motivation
At the center of most of my reactions—especially when I defend myself—is self-centeredness.
I want to prove my value. I want to protect my name.
I say I’m defending truth, but too often, I’m defending… me.
And the Gospel?
The Gospel doesn’t need me to fight for it. It needs me to live it.
Humility lays itself down.
Pride protects itself.
The cross calls us to let go—not of our identity, but of our need to be seen, praised, or right.
Serving Others Helps Me Forget Myself
The only time I seem to truly forget myself is when I serve someone else.
When I stop comparing, stop performing, and start loving—I lose sight of me and gain a glimpse of Christ.
The humility of Jesus—the King who kneeled to wash feet, who laid down His life without defending His innocence—reminds me daily who I’m following.
Favorite Quotes on Humility
“Humility is not thinking less of yourself but thinking of yourself less.” — C.S. Lewis
“The man who is ambitious to lead is disqualified... the true leader will be humble, gentle, self-sacrificing…” — A.W. Tozer
“The heart’s fierce effort to protect itself... will never let the mind have rest.” — A.W. Tozer
“Do you wish to rise? Begin by descending. Lay first the foundation of humility.” — Saint Augustine
“Be not proud of race, face, place, or grace.” — Charles Spurgeon