How to be humble when doing good works?

[fons_vitae]

Oftentimes when I do a good work, I feel a smidgen of self-satisfaction (“Oh, I’m doing such a virtuous act!”). How exactly can one avoid pride when doing something virtuous?

 

[ready]

Remember that it is God who gives you the goodness and grace you need to do a virtuous act. Remember that you could not will or accomplish a single good thing without God first giving you the grace to desire it and accomplish it. Remember that everything good in you comes from God above, and all that you can claim as your own in this life are your sins and the punishment due to your sins. Remember that you are a miserable sinner who when left to yourself (devoid of grace) can only go from bad to worse. Remember that you are dust and to dust you shall return. Remember that pride can ruin a good act and turn it into a very offensive one to our Lord God. God bless you.

 

[chefmomster2]

Oftentimes when I do a good work, I feel a smidgen of self-satisfaction (“Oh, I’m doing such a virtuous act!”). How exactly can one avoid pride when doing something virtuous?

I try, imperfectly, to be grateful instead, grateful to God for allowing me the health, means, and strength to do the work, grateful to the Holy Spirit for considering me a fit tool to perform His work, and grateful to Christ for the gift of the Spirit that moves me.

 

[JimR-OCDS]

Feeling good about doing good works isn’t a lack of humility, but the pleasure of doing God’s will.

Boasting about doing good works is opposed to humility.

Jim

 

[cheezey]

Remember that it is God who gives you the goodness and grace you need to do a virtuous act. Remember that you could not will or accomplish a single good thing without God first giving you the grace to desire it and accomplish it. Remember that everything good in you comes from God above, and all that you can claim as your own in this life are your sins and the punishment due to your sins. Remember that you are a miserable sinner who when left to yourself (devoid of grace) can only go from bad to worse. Remember that you are dust and to dust you shall return. Remember that pride can ruin a good act and turn it into a very offensive one to our Lord God. God bless you.

I try, imperfectly, to be grateful instead, grateful to God for allowing me the health, means, and strength to do the work, grateful to the Holy Spirit for considering me a fit tool to perform His work, and grateful to Christ for the gift of the Spirit that moves me.

Feeling good about doing good works isn’t a lack of humility, but the pleasure of doing God’s will.

Boasting about doing good works is opposed to humility.

Jim

Ah, CAF members know their stuff…

 

[edwest2]

Oftentimes when I do a good work, I feel a smidgen of self-satisfaction (“Oh, I’m doing such a virtuous act!”). How exactly can one avoid pride when doing something virtuous?

You’re not feeling pride, you’re feeling a sense of satisfaction. First, God provides to you so that you are able to help others. There may come a day when you need help. Doing what I know God wants me to do gladdens my heart. I do not brag about it. Serving God means doing what He wants you to do. You are in a relationship with Him and seek to please Him. That’s a good thing. Sometimes, it feels strange, from my point of view, because helping others has fallen out of favor for some and being an authentic, compassionate human being has as well. When we only seek what we want (God knows what we need), it feels ‘different’ when others, like yourself, do act as compassionate and virtuous people.

Peace,
Ed