The Word of the Day is "humility." In today's scripture study of Romans 12:4-5, 15-21, we read a collection of miscellaneous fragments of spiritual counsel. Likewise. in The Orthodox Faith, Vol. 4, Fr. Thomas Hopko of blessed memory lists thirteen qualities of a virtuous character that are gifts of the Spirit.
As we seek a God-pleasing character, keeping these assorted virtues in mind is difficult. Today, we search for one practice of good character that is the basis for all the rest. According to the Philokalia (see below), we will find this key in humility at the beginning and end of the virtues (St.-Gregory-of-Sinai, Section 115; Kindle Loc. 29880). Thus, Paul writes, "Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion" (OSB vs. 16). In today's study, we will find there are different forms of humility, just as there are various tests that demonstrate that we are genuinely humble. Moreover, if we attain this spiritual gift, other virtues will follow.
PAUL TURNS TO PRACTICAL MATTERS
After Paul finishes his long discussion about the rejection of the Jews to the Gospel, he turns in today's passage to some practical matters of Christian living. At the end of Romans, The Orthodox Study Bible has sub-headings for nine different topics. And in our reading, the apostle gives seven distinct pieces of advice. Bible scholars have termed this writing style "paraenesis," a technical word that refers to a set of loosely connected pieces of moral counsel found at the end of epistles.
Paul seems to offer these bits of practical wisdom as he thinks of them. It is as if he says, "By the way," and then expresses his thoughts on a topic before he forgets them. Yet a close reading can find the center of this guidance for living "in Christ." We discover the core idea in the attitude that is the opposite of high-mindedness (OCB vs. 16). When he says that we should "associate with the lowly" (OSB vs.16), Paul makes it clear that he is talking about humility.
PAUL'S COUNSELS ARE WAYS OF BEING HUMBLE
The counsels that Paul gives in our reading are all ways of being humble. For example, St. Gregory of Sinai says that the initial type of humility is to consider oneself lower than others (St.-Gregory-of-Sinai). Thinking of others as better than ourselves ensures that we practice Paul's advice that each should not "think of himself more highly than he ought to think" (OSB Romans 12:3). Moreover, putting others before ourselves ensures that we follow Paul's guidance, "Do not be wise in your own opinion" (OSB vs. 16).
But how does Paul's warning against revenge and vengeance fit with the emphasis on humility? Especially when our pride is hurt, we want to "repay evil for evil" (OSB vs. 17). However, humble-mindedness lets the insult to the ego go without striking back with "vengeance" (OSB vs. 20). Humility paves the road to peace (OSB vs. 18) as it does not try to prove it is better than others or attempt to have its own way against others. In summary, humility is not just an attitude but a transformative power that can do good in the face of evil and in response to it (OSB vs. 21).
FOR REFLECTION
Do we have this virtue of humility? In this passage, St. Paul suggests tests: Do we think our abilities to serve Christ are better than others? Do we "rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep"? Do we share the same mind with our fellow members? Do we treat our enemies with kindness? All of these require an attitude of humility that puts ourselves below the level of others. It is easy to be conceited; it takes a great effort to be humble, but it is a sign of a good and noble soul. And, as St. Anthimos of Chios said, "Humble-mindedness will bring all the virtues" (Chios). Life is a choice. Every day, we decide who we talk to, where we go, what we say, and how we say it. Whatever we choose to do defines our character. It's as simple and as complex as that--and as powerful. The choice to cultivate humility is a weighty one, but it holds the potential for immense personal growth.
WORKS CITED
Philokalia: a collection of spiritual masters from the 4th to 15th centuries
Chios, St. Anthimos of. "Gleanings from Orthodox Christian Authors and the Holy Fathers." St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church. https://www.orthodox.net/gleanings/humility.html.
Hopko, Fr. Thomas. 1981. "The Orthodox Faith: The Virtues." Department of Religious Education: Orthodox Church in America. https://www.oca.org/orthodoxy/the-orthodox-faith/spirituality/the-virtues/the-virtues.
St.-Gregory-of-Sinai. "On the Commandments and Doctrines." In The Philokalia Kindle Ed.
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