Mother Teresa's 15 Points of Humility

Mother Teresa, a beacon of compassion and service, understood the transformative power of humility. She believed that true spiritual growth is rooted in selflessness and surrender to God's will. Her 15 points offer a practical guide to cultivating humility:

Focus on Others

1. Speak as little as possible about yourself: This goes beyond avoiding bragging. It's about turning inward, focusing on one's own shortcomings and areas for growth rather than external validation. This practice cultivates self-awareness and prevents self-absorption.

2. Keep busy with your own affairs and not those of others: This isn't about isolation but about setting boundaries. It's recognizing that everyone has their own journey and that excessive involvement in others' lives can distract from one's own spiritual growth.

 

3. Avoid curiosity about things that do not concern you: It is about discerning what information is truly beneficial to you and focusing on one's own development. This guards against prying into the lives of others and fostering judgment. 

4. Do not interfere in the affairs of others: Respecting personal boundaries and allowing others to learn from their experiences.

Cultivate Patience and Acceptance

5. Accept small irritations with good humor: Developing emotional resilience and a positive outlook in the face of minor inconveniences. It's seeing challenges as opportunities for growth, rather than as setbacks. This attitude fosters inner peace and helps one maintain a positive outlook.

6. Do not dwell on the faults of others:

This is about practicing forgiveness and understanding. It’s recognizing that everyone makes mistakes and that focusing on others' flaws can hinder one's own spiritual progress.

 

7. Accept censures even if unmerited: Demonstrating humility by accepting criticism gracefully, even when unjust.

8. Give in to the will of others: Prioritizing the needs and desires of others over personal preferences.

Embrace Suffering and Rejection

9. Accept insults and injuries: Developing a thick skin and letting go of resentment.

10. Accept contempt, being forgotten and disregarded: Overcoming the need for recognition and approval.

11, Be courteous and delicate even when provoked by someone: Maintaining composure and kindness in challenging situations.

Seek Humility, Not Praise

12. Do not seek to be admired and loved: Letting go of the desire for external validation.

13. Do not protect yourself behind your own dignity: Overcoming pride and ego.

14. Give in in discussions, even when you are right: Prioritizing harmony and understanding over winning arguments.

15. Choose always the more difficult task: Embracing challenges as opportunities for growth and service.

The Essence of Humility

Mother Teresa's list emphasizes a shift in focus from self to others, from pride to service, and from control to surrender. It's a call to cultivate a heart centered on God, rather than on personal desires and achievements.

By practicing these points, individuals can foster a deeper connection with their faith, build stronger relationships, and become more effective in serving others. Ultimately, humility is the foundation for a life of love, compassion, and spiritual growth.