December 15: Weekly Reading- Teaching on the Beatitudes; The Submissive & Insight Post by Kim Feld

  -   December 15, 2025

Blessed Are the Humble: In the Beatitudes, Jesus teaches that those who are poor in spirit, humble, and recognize their need for God are blessed. The Kingdom of Heaven is open to those who rely not on their own strength, but on God’s grace.

Monday Verse

Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor. James 4:10 (NLT)

Monday Questions

In what areas of my life do I need to practice more humility and rely on God’s strength? How can I embrace a posture of humility, recognizing my need for His grace, and trust that He will lift me up in due time?

Monday Insight Post
by Kim Feld

Humility isn’t always easy to describe, but it’s easy to recognize. Merriam-Webster says humility is “freedom from pride or arrogance: the quality or state of being humble.” I’ve also heard that humility means not thinking less of yourself but thinking of yourself less. Our culture often tells us to focus on ourselves, so this idea can feel unfamiliar.

Humility invites us to shift our attention away from self-promotion and competitiveness, encouraging us to listen and learn from others. It means acknowledging that we don’t have all the answers and being open to correction or new perspectives. Humility creates space for gratitude, empathy, and genuine connection, because it values others’ strengths and stories as much as our own.

In Matthew, the word often translated as ‘meek’ is closely linked to gentleness. Notice how Jesus describes Himself as humble and gentle:

²⁹Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Matthew 11:29 (NLT)

Some people might see humility, meekness, or gentleness as a sign of weakness. But when Jesus uses these words for Himself, it changes how we view them. Even though He had all power and authority, He set them aside to become human. Being humble and gentle takes real self-control. Jesus shows us the best example.

Jesus’ humility wasn’t about denying His worth or minimizing His identity. Instead, it was about using His strength to serve others, to lift them up, rather than seeking recognition or praise. Today, humility can feel like a lost virtue, but Jesus still calls us to it. If I want to follow Him, I need to be humble and gentle at heart too.

In practice, this might look like listening more than speaking, admitting when I’m wrong, or choosing kindness over being right. It means serving quietly, encouraging others, and letting go of the need always to stand out. When we practice humility, we reflect Christ’s character and invite others to experience His peace and grace through us.

Kim Feld
Executive Director of Education and Outreach 

New Hope Church
Lorton, Virginia
www.newhope.org