Humility: The Foundation of Charity
It is a fact that in a soul, which lacks true humility, no charity is found, because the more perfect charity is, the more humble it is. (OOCC, III, p. 136; SD, p. 2)
According to St. Vincent Pallotti, humility is the foundation of charity. If a person lacks the true spirit of humility, there can be no charity in his life. The virtue of humility consists of the honest acceptance of oneself. A humble person has the right self-knowledge. He knows who he is before God and who he is before his neighbor. A person who is humble never thinks of himself as superior to others. He knows his capabilities and limitations. Therefore, he never brags that he is the most knowledgeable, the most capable or the most industrious in comparison with his neighbor. The virtue of true humility makes a person view himself realistically, and practically. A humble person respects his neighbor, accepts all the good he has with a sense of admiration, and thanks God for the good he has placed in others. A humble person is never presumptuous. He makes no claims for himself if it is not true. Even if a claim is true, he does not make a big issue of it, except for stating the claim in all honesty and sincerity. These attitudes which are present in the humble person form the true foundation on which a genuine life of charity can be built. A person who does not have these attitudes, which are fruits of the virtue of humility, cannot embody any form of charity. It is easy for a humble person to love his neighbor and offer his life in loving surrender to God. A self-conceited person, who thinks too much of himself, can neither truly love his neighbor nor his God. Hence, St. Vincent sees humility as the foundation of charity.
Do I realize the importance of the virtue of humility for the cultivation of charity in my life? Do I have the basic qualities of a humble person? Do I think of myself as superior to others? Do I respect and accept the good of others? Do I truly cultivate humility in order to be a loving person in my relationship with God and others?
Humble yourselves before the Lord and he will exalt you. Do not speak evil against one another. (Jas. 4: 10 – 11)