Humiliation

<<shame, disgrace>>

Humiliation is being ashamed or embarrassed. This is the result of an experience or life event that is considered shameful and degrading and is often the consequence of bad decisions, wrong actions or mistakes made. Samson, who had been so strong, was defeated and humiliated, becoming

Humiliation often comes by yielding to the flesh and not following Christ

the blind grain grinder because he had mixed with the wrong company and no doubt was proud of his super-human, yet God-given strength (Jdg 16:1-21). God will let us suffer humiliation and regret too if we become overconfident and self-sufficient, rather than relying on and obeying Him while also failing to acknowledge our ability comes from Him. The proverb, "Pride goes before destruction" has been shown to be true countless times (Prov 16:18). The events and situations of life don't humble us; they are the context in which we either respond in humility or boast in our capabilities however, "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble" (Prov 3:34; 1 Pet 5:6).

Other times we may be placed in unpleasant, humiliating conditions by God’s providence through no fault of our own – as happened to Job (Job 1:9-12, 2:3-6). Through the circumstances of life, we may be stripped of possessions, power, position, family, friends, or health – all that has been dear to us. In such vulnerable places where our self-esteem has taken a very real devastating hit and we are hurting and emotionally fragile we need to draw closer to God.

Living in a sin-cursed body in a sin-cursed world, trouble in various forms is to be expected, for everyone, believer and unbeliever (Jn 16:33; Rom 5:12-14). How do we respond? If there has been sin on our part that led to the situation, we are to repent. If not, use the situation for growth in Christlikeness. Look beyond the situation to the God of the situation who is always up to something good now and eternally. It is better to take the humble place than be humiliated before others (Prov 25:7,8; Lk 14:7-11).

When humiliated do I respond with humility, taking ownership confessing 'I messed up' or with hurt pride try to pass the blame onto others, with 'It wasn't my fault'? David, when confronted about his sin with Bathsheba, took responsibility for what he had done, stating 'It was me' and his relationship

It is not so much what happens to us but our response that matters

with God was restored, however there were consequences that remained (2 Sam 11:4, 12:9-14; Ps 51:1-4,16,17). In contrast, the religious leaders when confronted with the truth of Christ rejected it, and were determined to destroy the messengers, and so in arrogance and ignorance they continued on the way to hell (Act 5:17,28-33, 7:54-60).

Jesus knowing the eternal consequences for sinful humanity volunteered to be humiliated so we had a way out from eternal suffering if we choose (Jn 1:12, 6:37-40, 17:4,5; Phil 2:5-8). This culminated in His being mocked while suspended naked on the cross, suffering the wrath of God for our sin while the crowds challenged Him to prove He was the son of God, yet in love He submitted Himself to the vileness of man to purchase our salvation (Mt 25:35-44).