Would you like to have humility in recovery? Have you always wanted to be that humble person who people are just impressed with your modesty, restraint, and composure? In this article, we will cover 10 ways to become humble in recovery.
Often, we don’t realize we are not being humble. However, if you read about the things NOT to do, you’ll soon discover if you already possess this trait or struggle with it. Follow these 10 tips to have humility in recovery – where everyone needs to be at some point in life.
I’m not saying that everyone struggles with addiction or some kind of mental illness, but we all have room for improvement. Wouldn’t you agree? There is always a reason to get better, and a place like Celebrate Recovery, where everyone is welcome, is just the place to do that.
Let’s dive in to discover how to have humility in recovery with 10 powerful ways!
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What is Humility?
Humility is all about being modest and not full of pride. It means putting others before yourself, or at least not thinking that you are better than others. Remember, we were all blessed with different gifts, talents, traits, personalities, and so on. No one is better than anyone else.
Also, remember that God loves you unconditionally. In fact, He loves all of His children. So, if you look down on someone, thinking you are better than them, remember you are demeaning one of God’s children! Trust the Lord as you learn how to have humility in recovery.
The reward for humility and fear of the Lord is riches and honor and life. – Proverbs 22:4
10 Ways to Have Humility in Recovery
Humility in recovery is never easy. You might have to restart the 12 steps. Maybe you’ll need to go back into a recovery program. Hang in there! These 10 ways to have humility in recovery will get you on the right track if you are open-minded and consider enlisting all of them!
If you’ve never heard of Celebrate Recovery, it is meant for everyone, so why not check it out?
#1. Be willing to ask for help.
A person who practices humility in recovery is willing to ask for help. This could be as simple as admitting you are not strong enough to lift heavy furniture, and therefore, you need a hand. It also could be as complex as admitting to your sponsor that you’ve slipped up a time or two.
If you have relapsed into your old ways, remember that God still loves you and there is hope. You do not have to continue down this path. As easily as you restarted your bad habit, you can stop, but you must ask for help. That is the path to humility in recovery.
When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom. – Proverbs 11:2
#2. Admit when you have a problem.
Similarly to the previous point, when you admit you need help (from the right people, not influences that were bad for you in the past), you first will need to confess you have a problem. You’ll have to be a bit vulnerable here, but that is what being humble is all about.
The first thing to do is admit to yourself that you have a problem. I have to admit that, in the past, I’ve had a bit of a shopping addiction. It’s just so easy to order from Amazon and get your products the same day. It’s like a little gift on my porch!
However, this can be problematic. Therefore, I finally admitted to myself that maybe I have a shopping issue that needs to be dealt with.
The next thing to do is to confess to God what is going on. You can say a prayer about what is happening, talk to your local pastor about it, or write about it in a prayer journal. However you want to speak to God is up to you. Just be sure that you make that connection.
The final step to take is to admit your problem to someone else. Most people I know or talk to about my problem have the same problem with the rush of ordering from Amazon and getting packages the same day. However, plenty of people can control their spending better.
Part of practicing humility in recovery is reaching out to someone else and admitting the problem. See what they have to say about it. Maybe their advice will help. Find a sponsor and accountability partners, and get back to Celebrate Recovery or another 12-step program.
#3. Practice forgiveness all the time.
Forgiveness can be very difficult, especially when you hold a grudge over the wrong that someone did to you. I think all humans are wired to let each other down from time to time, so we shouldn’t expect perfection. I’ll admit that most people I know have disappointed me a lot.
You don’t necessarily have to write out an apology letter and mail it. Additionally, an in-person apology could be inappropriate. The rule of thumb I follow is to apologize in person or via a letter if I think they are still hurt by something I’ve done.
However, if my apology causes them to be more upset and they are already over the issue, contacting them about it would be unnecessary. We don’t want to hurt others when going through our recovery.
The opposite holds true, too. You don’t need to send a letter saying, “I forgive you for hurting me.” The person probably does not feel bad at all. At least, that has been my experience. You don’t need to bring up old hurts that still wound you; just forgive them in your heart.
The final thing to do is to let it go. Stop talking to others about the wrong. Don’t bring it up with your family or friends. Just drop it. If you need to talk about it, enlist the help of a sponsor or counselor. There is no reason to dwell on the matter. That is what forgiveness is about.
#4. Take responsibility for your actions.
A humble person is not afraid to take responsibility for their actions. While watching television the other day, I saw a police officer wad up an important note and stick it in his pocket. He did this because the note from a phone call would have gotten him in trouble.
Because of his actions, two other officers ended up in the hospital. He could have admitted his mistake, even though I wouldn’t call a deliberate action a mistake. However, he decided to lie and cover it up the best he could, making others suspicious of him. That is not humility.
Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you. – James 4:10
#5. Practice authenticity.
There really is no point in pretending to be someone you aren’t. The above-mentioned police officer from television will surely be found out. He is pretending to be a “victim” in the episode and acting like he is honest and straightforward. Soon, they will see his true colors.
Be real. Be honest. Most of all, be yourself. Your beauty will shine through, and if it doesn’t, keep working on it! Eventually, you will display what those who love you see in you. In fact, over time, with anyone, you can show love like God loves you. It all just takes practice.
#6. Be open-minded.
Humble people do not have “set” mindsets. They aren’t stubborn in their ways. Stubborn individuals tend to have a one-track mind and see things one way only. Open-minded people are willing to listen to new ideas, people, and take into consideration their viewpoints.
With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love. – Ephesians 4:2
#7. Realize that your reality has changed.
Maybe you’ve had a slip up in recovery and hate that you’ve relapsed. Well, it happens. Addiction or any bad habit is hard to break. Start the Celebrate Recovery lessons over, head to some recovery meetings, and proceed in the program. There’s no shame in that.
Be eager about this next step, because it is a new beginning for you. Treat it like one. Remember, we all make mistakes, walk the wrong path from time to time, and fall into old patterns. Instead of dwelling on the negative, think about your fresh start!
#8. Let go of your pride.
Pride can hurt you so much. Do a Bible study on the topic. There are MANY Bible verses on the detrimental side of being too prideful. Avoid it. Instead, practice humility in recovery. This shows honor to those around you and a very mature personality, attitude, and demeanor.
#9. Rely on your faith.
Relying on your faith or spiritual habits can be a great way to build your character, which includes humility in recovery. You can do this by praying, participating or doing a Bible study, practicing Scripture writing or Bible reading, engaging with other Christians, and more!
#10. Trust God’s plan.
Being able to trust God’s plan for your life can be tough. However, it does build character and principles, including humility in recovery, which you will need in order to make it through a 12-step program. Consider how much stronger you will be with God on your side!
Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time He may exalt you. – 1 Peter 5:6
Humility in Recovery Resources
Read the blog post, Celebrate Recovery Step 7 | How to Be Humble in Recovery. It has valuable information on humility in recovery and the 7th step of the 12 steps of recovery.
Humility by Andrew Murray explains in devotional format how humility and faith are intertwined. What a great resource for learning more about humility in recovery. Murray has more books on the subject, as well.
Another notable book to check out is Humility: The Joy of Self-Forgetfulness by Gavin Ortlund. This book discusses the joy that can be found when you learn to be humble.
The Power of a Humble Life by Simmons has great resources and a powerful message. Another great resource to check out as you pursue having humility in recovery!
Concluding Thoughts on Humility in Recovery
Which way to have humility in recovery will you try first? Did you learn something new from this article? What applications will you take away and use in your life? Be sure to comment to share your struggles and developments. You never know how your words can help another!
Before destruction a man’s heart is haughty, but humility comes before honor. – Proverbs 18:12
