Humility is one of the foundations of the Orthodox Christian spiritual life, but what does Christian humility actually mean? It does not mean thinking poorly of ourselves, denying our gifts, or becoming passive. The Orthodox Church understands humility as learning to see ourselves truthfully before God and receiving our lives, abilities, and responsibilities with gratitude. In this Bible study, Anthony Ally considers humility through the life of the Theotokos and the teaching of St. John Cassian, especially Conference 4. The Theotokos gives us a powerful example of obedience when she responds to God, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord” in Luke 1:38.

The discussion considers how humility changes the way Christians approach prayer, leadership, correction, and everyday responsibilities. St. John Cassian warns that even good things can beco ...