10 Ways Humility Will Heal the Wounds of COVID-19

So what does humility look like in our lives? Is it an elusive quality, hard to gain and even harder to live out?

According to Colossians 3:12, humility along with other godly qualities, is something we choose to put on, like deciding what clothes we want to wear each day. “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothes yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”

With COVID-19 seen by some as a modern day plague, it’s interesting how Moses, who lived through Egypt’s ten plagues, is described in Numbers 12:3 as a very humble man, more humble than anyone on the face of the earth.

As humility served Moses well, in what ways can humility help us in moving forward after COVID-19?

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Humility turns our hearts toward God, as we turn away from looking toward the world to meet our needs.

The COVID-19 outbreak has exposed areas of weakness in our world. We’ve learned we can’t necessarily depend on technology, medical treatments, employers, or the government to be there for us when we need them the most. With widespread shutdowns, we’ve experienced the deficits and effects of relying on man-made organizations.

In times like these, 2 Corinthians 4:8,9, reminds us, “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair, persecuted but not abandoned; struck down but now destroyed.”

Although earthly organizations, governments, and businesses may fail us, Psalm 46:1 assures us, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”

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Humility helps us to lean on God during troubled times. Because none of us are strong enough to carry the worries of the world on our shoulders, Jesus urges us in Matthew 11:29 to, “Take my yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”

As repercussions of COVID-19 began spreading, it became obvious that life as we know it changed overnight whether we wanted it to or not.

Whether we’re living in stable or chaotic times, humility helps us to let our guard down and rest in God because He never changes. As Hebrews 13:8 explains, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”

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Worldwide pandemics bring great waves of fear over people. However, in humbling ourselves before God, we receive freedom from fear knowing we are secure in Him.

As Christians we can live freely knowing we are not at the mercy of viruses that strike the earth. In a conversation with God, Satan’s question reveals God’s hedge of protection around us. “Have you not put a hedge around him and his household and everything he has? You have blessed the work of his hands, so that his flocks and herds are spread throughout the land” (Job 1:10).

Furthermore we learn of God’s divine providence over us. “The Lord said to Satan, ‘Very well, then, everything he has is in your power, but on the man himself do not lay a finger.’ Then Satan went out from the presence of the Lord” (Job 1:12).

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Topsy-turvy times have a way of exposing weaknesses in us. During these stressful times, hidden issues of our hearts can emerge and roar their ugly heads. When they do, Psalm 26:2 directs us to ask God to, “Test me, Lord, and try me, examine my heart and my mind."

Humility motivates us to seek God to strengthen us where we are weak. 2 Corinthians 12:9 tells us, “But He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”

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With COVID-19 restrictions being lifted, humility leads us to consider areas where we need growth in our lives. It moves us to examine our spiritual lives to see if want to seek a deeper intimacy with the Lord. 

2 Corinthians 13:5 encourages us to, “Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test?”

As well, humility spurs us to reconsider career choices, how we spend vacations, and where we reside. For many it is a time of humbly re-evaluating our pathways in life. In humbleness we can turn to God to help us because, “He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them His way” (Psalm 25:9).

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How many of us during COVID-19 thought of those we wished we had shared the gospel with before it all happened? The pandemic helps us to see the importance in sharing our faith with others while we have the opportunity.

Seeing how quickly life changed during it, humility helps motivate us to tell others about God’s love. To speak out to those around us how faith in God helped us through the pandemic, and how His peace and comfort carried us through it.

2 Corinthians 6:2 explains the urgency in telling others, “For He says, ‘In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of Salvation I helped you.’ I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of Salvation.”

In the past where we may have been timid about sharing our faith with others, humility fuels our desire to let others know about God’s love and the Salvation He offers through Jesus Christ.

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COVID-19 shined a spotlight on individuals needing extra help. Like Galatians 5:14 assures us, “For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command; ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”

During the outbreak people’s hearts have been moved to reach out to neighbors, relatives, and co-workers in new and caring ways. Humility helps us to go the extra mile like Romans 15:1 urges, “We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves.”

As well, it has given many a new understanding of those who need care on a long-term basis. Like Galatians 6:2 pleads, “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”

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With stay-at-home orders causing families to spend 24/7 together, tensions are high with more couples considering divorce, and parents at wits end in homeschooling their children. Still Ephesians 4:2 encourages us to “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.”

Humility sheds light on the condition of our relationships. It leads us to look at where there are disconnections, to recognize where we have been living separate lives within the same house, and to consider where reconnection needs to occur. It moves us to make effort to prioritize and improve our relationships.

Likewise the high virus risk to aging relatives is causing countless family members to re-evaluate their relationships and outreach to loved ones. Whereas seniors may have been taken for granted as being around for years to come, humility is causing families to reconsider their priorities and involvement in their lives.

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During COVID-19 many families have faced separation from loved ones, realizing the sorrow and challenges faced in living away from family members during a worldwide crisis.

Possessions lose their glitz and glamour in comparison to the possibility of losing loved ones. Work, recreation, hobbies, and more can lead us off-track, causing us to lose sight of what we truly treasure in life. Matthew 6:21, reminds us, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

Humility leads us to re-evaluate what we treasure most in life. It causes us to consider what is of greatest value to us. “But store up for yourselves treasure in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal” (Matthew 6:20).

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With a wide variety of viewpoints, along with heated discussions and disagreements concerning COVID-19, not everyone is agreeing on aspects and effects of it. Humility helps us to let others work through their concerns and ideas, without becoming defensive and offended with their differing opinions.

Though challenging when others don’t agree with our viewpoints, James 4:6 assures, “But He give us more grace. That is why Scripture says; ‘God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.’”

Lynette Kittle is married with four daughters. She enjoys writing about faith, marriage, parenting, relationships, and life. Her writing has been published by Focus on the Family, Decision, Today’s Christian Woman, kirkcameron.com, Ungrind.org, StartMarriageRight.com, and more. She has a M.A. in Communication from Regent University and serves as associate producer for Soul Check TV.

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