But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” James 4:6 WEB
Pride, arrogance, and rebellion are nothing unusual for mankind. As fallen creatures, rebellious to the will of God, we naturally strive against one another. The envy and ambition of man create divisions even among believers. Prior to making his statement about grace, James delivers an indictment and a warning to Chrstians. He reproves them for living prideful lives in accordance with the wisdom of the world.
Rather than following the command of Jesus to love one another, some members of the church fought amongst themselves to attain their selfish desires. With an allusion to Hosea 3:1, James encourages his readers to let go of their selfish ambitions which he equates to adultery or unfaithfulness to the Lord.
God Gives Grace to the Humble
James is correcting the church out of love and concern for their well being. His words are based on scripture as he quotes Proverbs 3:34 which says of the Lord, “Surely he mocks the mockers, but he gives grace to the humble. WEB” James teaches that God only rewards those who seek him first and submit to his will.
This is an important concept for Christians to consider. When we seek our own satisfaction outside of the will of the Lord, we should not expect to get what we want. Christ himself submitted to the will of God and so should we. Jesus sets an example for prayer and petition to God in Matthew 26:39 saying, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass away from me; nevertheless, not what I desire, but what you desire. WEB”
God Is Our Source
Further, Christ teaches John 15:5, “I am the vine. You are the branches. He who remains in me, and I in him, the same bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. WEB” God is our supplier. When we try to obtain our goals through self-reliance, we distance ourselves from the true source of all we need. And so, James reminds his readers, God resists the proud who seek their own satisfaction, but he gives more grace to the humble who submit to his will.
If we find ourselves in conflict because of our tendency toward selfishness and worldly ways, we can remember James’ admonition against pride. His words encourage us to seek the will of God. James reassures us of the limitless grace of God to forgive and provide for those who repent from sin and turn to him.
Prayer: ‘Father God, thank you for provisioning for my needs. Thank you for the correction and instruction of your holy word. I choose to humble myself before you and submit to your will. Help me to live according to your word and your will. In Jesus’ name – Amen”
Yesterday’s Devotional: He Loved Them
