How to Practice Humility in Everyday Life?

"Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth." – Matthew 5:5 (NIV)

Life in Cambodia has taught me many things. The quiet mornings with motorbikes humming in the distance, the sound of a street vendor calling out her goods, the calm before a tropical rainstorm, and the silent conversations between me and the Lord doing my morning walks or riding home on a tuk-tuk after a long day.

In all of these ordinary moments, I’m learning that the gentleness God calls us to is not found in grand words or big acts. It is found in the stillness of our heart, in the posture of our soul when no one is watching.

When I first read Matthew 5:5, I did not fully understand it. The world teaches us to be strong, to defend ourselves, to prove our worth. But Jesus says, "Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth." I used to think meekness was weakness. I thought it was about being silent, timid, or scared.

But I now see that meekness is strength under God’s control. It is humility, gentleness, and quiet confidence that trusts in God more than in self.

God's Grace on my struggles

I wear many hats in life a wife to Vandy, a mom to David, a discipler of women, and above all, a child of God. But I want to confess something to you, dear reader:

I'm not always gentle. I'm not always humble. I'm not always consistent.

I can start strong with good intentions a solid prayer routine, meal plans, reading time with my son, and quality time with my husband. But sometimes, I simply cannot sustain them. I feel easily overwhelmed. I sometimes respond harshly when I'm stressed or pressured. And yes, pride finds its way into my heart more often than I would like to admit.

But praise God, there is mercy. His mercies are new every morning. He is patient with me. He doesn’t disqualify me when I fall short. Instead, He gently leads me, reminding me that the goal is not perfection, but transformation.

Why Meekness Matters in Cambodia and Beyond?

In a culture where saving face and proving yourself is common, being meek may seem countercultural. Here, humility can be mistaken for lack of confidence. But meekness in God’s eyes is different.

Jesus Himself was meek yet He had authority, influence, and the power of heaven behind Him. He washed His disciples’ feet. He welcomed the children. He carried the cross.

He is our example.

And as someone who desires to grow in all the roles God has entrusted to me, I want to share seven ways that meekness is taking shape in my life. These are not steps to boast about, but honest reflections that maybe you can relate to, too.

7 Reflections and Practical Ways to Embrace Meekness

1. As a Wife

Reflection: Sometimes, I want to prove my point to Vandy or get the last word in an argument. But meekness reminds me to listen, to understand, and to yield when needed.

Practice: Respond calmly even when misunderstood. Choose to pray before reacting. Apologize quickly when wrong. Celebrate your husband's growth instead of pointing out what still needs change.

2. As a Mom

Reflection: I want to teach and guide David well, especially with his learning and special needs. But I often feel inadequate. Meekness teaches me to lead with gentleness, not pressure.

Practice: Speak words of life, not criticism. Show patience in daily routines. Be gentle in correction. Learn to see things from his eyes. Thank God for every small progress.

3. As a Sister in Christ

Reflection: Discipling others is a joy and a weight. I want to be helpful and wise, but sometimes I rely too much on myself.

Practice: Encourage more than instruct. Listen more than talk. Don’t try to be impressive be real. Be open about your struggles. Let God work in their hearts instead of forcing growth.

4. As a Child of God

Reflection: My pride often makes me strive and compare. Meekness teaches me to rest in my identity as God’s beloved.

Practice: Start the day in quiet prayer. Say thank You before asking. Accept correction without defending. Trust God’s timing. Be still and know He is God.

5. In Ministry

Reflection: Serving others can sometimes feel like a performance. But God doesn’t need me to impress, just to obey.

Practice: Serve without seeking credit. Support others' ideas. Let go of control. Be approachable. Honor God in the unseen work.

6. In Conflicts

Reflection: When faced with offense or gossip, my instinct is to defend. But meekness chooses peace over proving a point.

Practice: Choose silence over retaliation. Forgive quickly. Pray for those who hurt you. Respond in love. Walk away when needed.

7. In Personal Growth

Reflection: I want to grow fast, fix myself quickly, and move on. But God is working in layers.

Practice: Journal what God is teaching you. Be okay with slow growth. Don’t rush the lessons. Celebrate small wins. Trust the process.

A Simple Prayer

Lord, thank You for Your patience with me. Forgive me for the times I let pride speak louder than Your voice. Teach me to be meek like Jesus. Help me respond with gentleness, walk humbly, and trust You more each day. May my life bring You glory in every role You have given me. 

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

If this blog has blessed you, feel free to share it with a friend or sister in faith who might need this reminder today.

If you’re reading this and you see your own struggles in mine, I want you to know that you are not alone. God is not disappointed in you. He is gently shaping you, day by day, to become like Jesus.

Meekness is not about having it all together. It’s about surrendering all we are to the One who holds it all.

Let us be women who lead with gentleness, who love with humility, and who reflect the meekness of Christ in a noisy and demanding world.

God be praised!

Tess 💕😃