GRACE TO THE HUMBLE

GRACE TO THE HUMBLE

James 4:6 But He gives more grace. Therefore, He says: “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”

We see this in the Old Testament as well. Proverbs 3:34 Surely, He scorns the scornful, but gives grace to the humble. I often think about this as whenever I share the gospel, the best people we speak to aren’t those of a race or a worldview it’s those who are humble, they are the ones we delight to share the good news with. I’ve often said, although this world desperately needs the gospel, most people aren’t ready to hear the gospel. This is because of pride as most people consider themselves to be good. We know that no one is good, not one. Using God’s law will break down the pride and soften them to a point of humility. Then it’s when they can receive the good news as God gives grace to the humble.

I shared the gospel yesterday with a Muslim man who had so much pride. I can see why God resists the proud. He was barely listening to what I shared and was just waiting to speak. Many people are lost but sometimes there’s some humility where people listen and we can share the gospel and demonstrate grace. Other times, it’s like casting your pearl before swine. The principle is law to the proud, grace to the humble. Luke 14:11 For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” It’s when we surrender to God and say you’re right and I’m not. Like John the Baptist, He must increase, we must decrease. Not only do we want to see this transformation in unbelievers, but may we as believers have less and less of self; to be humbler. Perhaps we need to say sorry to someone and make things right to show humility. It’s also a reminder to take up our cross daily and to not be proud but humble so we can receive His grace. Let us be like this; Isaiah 57:15 I dwell in the high and holy place, with him who has a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.