God lifts up the humble

Paul describes himself as a slave but also as an apostle.

Paul, a bond-servant of Christ Jesus, called as an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, Rom 1:1 NASB95

The Greek word for bond-servant is DOULOS, which means slave.

He had completely surrendered his life to the will of God, submitting himself like a slave, but God had entrusted him with a high office.

God wants us to humble ourselves before him, but not because he wants to humiliate us.

“For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” Lk 14:11 NASB95

Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you. Jas 4:10 NASB95

Those who always humiliate or despise themselves do not understand God's love.

If your family, your boss or your church leader keeps putting you down, it's not from God.

I no longer call you servants because a master does not take his servants into his confidence.
You are now my friends, because I have told you everything I have heard from my Father. John 15:15

If you dedicate yourself completely to the will of God, like a faithful and willing slave, but love and trust God like a beloved son or daughter, Jesus will embrace you and cherish you as a dear friend.