What does it mean to be humble in spirit?

Humility in spirit is a key aspect of the Christian life, underscored in Matthew 5:3, which states, 'Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.' This beatitude teaches that true humility involves an acknowledgment of our spiritual bankruptcy apart from Christ. It contrasts with self-righteousness, which can lead to pride and a false sense of security in one's own works. The Apostle Paul echoes this in Philippians 3:7-8, where he counts all his achievements as loss compared to knowing Christ. Thus, humility is foundational for coming to faith, as it recognizes our need for God's grace and the righteousness that comes through faith in Christ.