In 2 Kings 5, we read the story of Naaman, the commander of the army of the King of Aram. He was a great and valiant soldier, highly regarded by his master, for through him the Lord had given victory to Aram. Yet, he had leprosy.
On the advice of a slave girl, Naaman went to the Prophet Elisha and, though initially reluctant, obeyed the instruction to dip himself seven times in the River Jordan. His flesh was restored and he became clean like a young boy.
Naaman’s healing is not just a story about obedience—it’s a powerful example of humility. It shows what happens when we are willing to lower ourselves, to take advice from those society may consider inferior and to accept God’s ways even when they seem “beneath” us.
Humility is a Christ-like spirit of modesty, meekness and service.
Humility in relationships
When you humble yourself before your lover, spouse, or family member, you stop making unrealistic demands and stop expecting constant gratification. You see every good thing in the relationship as an undeserved favour from God not a right.
A humble lover does not react to a partner’s weakness with anger, irritation or depression—emotions often rooted in the belief that we “deserve better.” Instead, humility moves you to take responsibility, be patient, and help your partner grow. Like David, you become “lowly in your own eyes.”
Such humility allows you to remain peaceful and genuinely happy. It is not just a feeling—it is an action. With humility, you can defuse arguments, heal offences and easily ask for forgiveness when you go wrong.
How to show humility in marriage and family
Make yourself a servant: Be selfless and put your partner's and family's needs ahead of your own. Love is not merely a feeling—it is what you do to make the other person better. Never build yourself up at the expense of those you love.
Never judge others: Accept your partner and family as they are. Praise their strengths and overlook their weaknesses. Avoid resentment and bitterness—they stem from pride.
Show consistent kindness: Men can help with domestic chores; women can take an interest in their husband’s work and hobbies. Small acts of love matter.
Value the opinions of others: Make one another feel respected and cherished. Shared decisions strengthen relationships.
See things from their point of view: Admit when you are wrong and apologise quickly. Your humility will inspire admiration.
Forgive freely: When you are right, respond graciously. Remember, today your partner may offend you; tomorrow, it could be you. Forgiveness keeps love alive.
Choose to be humble always
A good relationship is made up of two servants—each looking for ways to serve the other without expecting reward. Without humility, relationships breed selfishness, judgment, and conflict.
But when you clothe yourself with humility, you cultivate true love—a love that seeks to care for your partner rather than focus on your own needs.
Humility brings wealth, honour, and life. It opens the door to God’s grace, which He gives only to the humble.
So, dare to be like Naaman—willing to “wash in dirty water” as many times as it takes for your relationship to be healed and renewed.
Serve God through how you serve your partner. When you humble yourself before God and your loved ones, He will lift you.
Each day, strive to be humble toward your spouse, children, family, and everyone around you—for humility gives birth to joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, and self-control. As Confucius said, “Humility is the foundation of all virtues; without it, you have nothing good in you.”
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