In previous weeks, we have uncovered the definitions of humility and pride. We can now look at how the two of them interact. 

Being truly humble, seeing ourselves as God sees us, aids us in our spiritual lives. Being prideful in the sense of excessive self-love or independence from God harms our spiritual lives. As usual, however, these matters are not quite so simple.

Being “proud” can also mean having a positive, dignified sense of self-respect. What, then, is the difference between sinful pride and legitimate pride? When we have a legitimate pride in ourselves, we respect the dignity and accomplishments that come to us *from God*. Sinful pride, on the other hand, ignores God’s role in our lives and causes us to want to be given credit for all our accomplishments.

In his early life, St. Francis had a sinful pride. He recognized God’s existence, desired to be a famous warrior whose military accomplishments would be recognized by all. After his conversion, Francis was freed from this type of pride. He became humble, seeing himself as God saw him – and he also showed a positive, dignified attitude of self-respect because he was created in the image of God and knew that all his gifts, his success, etc. came from a Divine source. 

Francis also had a wonderful ability to see the dignity of others. This, too, was a gift from God, first experienced in the famous story of Francis embracing and kissing a leper – and act which had repulsed him before his conversion. 

Francis shows how we can have both humility and pride at the same time, if we understand them in their correct definitions. False humility (thinking little or nothing of oneself) or excessive pride (separating oneself from God) both can cause harm to our spiritual lives. True humility and legitimate pride help us to know our place in God’s creation and to carry our His will in our lives.  

This week, let us be mindful of our feelings of pride and humility – and let us correct any instances of sinful pride and false humility.