The True Nature of Humility

Humility is often an overlooked quality of our Christian walk. Understanding the true nature of humility reveals depths about the character of God.

“. . . Under his shadow I delighted to sit, and his fruit was sweet to my taste.”

Song of Solomon 2:3

I just spent the last hour and a half picking raspberries, and this after picking for nearly that long a few days ago. I’m amazed at how many berries can grow on a few little bushes.

For most of the last 20 years we have been blessed to have a raspberry patch and every year that I can remember, the Holy Spirit tells me the same object lesson as I harvest the fruit, sometimes adding details as the years go on.

If I stand over my bushes, I see quite a few ripe berries. But it is not until I bend low, getting down on my knees or even sitting on the ground, that I realize the extent of the harvest. Almost without exception, as soon as I think I’ve finally picked a bush clean, I turn, change my angle a little, and find a few more handfuls.

Over and over throughout the years I am reminded of how this applies to the way we see the people around us. Sometimes we see a little fruit here and there in the lives of others, or maybe no fruit at all, and dismiss them as “not very productive” and needing to get their act together.  We may even compare our own life to theirs and think we sure have more fruit than they do.

But if we get low, if we humble ourselves before God and before that other person, more than likely we are going to find ripe, lush berries that were not obvious at first glance.

• Maybe a gentleness that was hidden behind a busy schedule.
• Or a strength of character that gets lost in the leaves of a quiet personality.
• Perhaps long-suffering and patience go unnoticed by those who quickly pass by.
• Maybe there are the small but very sweet berries of willingness before the Lord although the path is hard and the goal not fully accomplished.

Taking this humble position is more important than we often realize. Our pride can cause us to miss the opportunity to feast on the goodness of God that is growing all around us. Just as the fruit on a raspberry bush is meant to be eaten, the spiritual fruit in the people around us is meant to be consumed to gain much needed spiritual nourishment.

If we look at another person from the position of pride, we may miss the very provision of God’s grace, love, or wisdom that we need for this day.

Only in humility will we see through the eyes of our Father and recognize His working in and through those around us. Only in humility will we be able to partake of His goodness in them, and in turn have fruit in our own lives to nourish others.

“You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy,
at Your right hand there are pleasures forevermore.”

Psalm 16:11

Learn more about the author Amy Layne Litzelman

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Featured Photo by Photographer Emily Seamans Courtesy of Russian River Raspberries