Grace

But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”

James 4:6

One of the greatest challenges that believers face is maintaining their godly composure when having to deal with difficult people.

DIFFICULT PEOPLE

Not only do believers seek to obey Christ in simple daily living, but they also want to lead exemplary lives even when it isn’t easy.

That is why having God’s Word living deeply in our hearts is vital. Having a close personal relationship with the Spirit of God is our best hope for understanding the gift of grace.

Grace is the gift that we can count on to fill our hearts at a moment’s notice. It is part of God’s hesed love for His own that flows freely and extravagantly in abundance.

Grace is unmerited and without reservation. Yet somehow, we think we can abuse it. And to some extent I guess we can. That part of grace, redemption and regeneration, is a once and for all promise that can never be lost when we sin.

For sin will not have dominion over you, for you are not under law, but under grace.

Romans 6:14

True born-again believers never willingly choose to abuse that grace. If you find yourself in that lifestyle, then you desperately need to verify that you truly gave your heart to Jesus to begin with.

But the part of His grace that we are talking about here is the grace that God gives us that enables us to live in this world.

This grace continues to grow and meet every need as moments arise. The grace to live through hardship and sorrow is more than sufficient for each day. And that is what James is talking about here.

So back to our discussion about hard people. Dealing with them has become an overwhelming challenge. Believers need to be prepared to bring God glory, whether interacting with fellow believers or the world. Our priority is always our Lord.

Let’s look back to the key verse. How do we humble ourselves?

James gives us the concise answer. See how he finished up this letter to these wayward believers?

• Be subject therefore to God.
• Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 
• Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.
• Cleanse your hands, you sinners.
• Purify your hearts, you double-minded.
• Lament, mourn, and weep.
• Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. 
• Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he will exalt you.
• Don’t speak against one another, brothers.
• He who speaks against a brother and judges his brother, speaks against the law and judges the law.
• But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge. Only one is the lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you to judge another?

James 4:7-12

You see, this passage is reminding us of the need to be humble and to repent where we need to. Don’t judge others. Stay close in your relationship to the Lord. Keep your way pure, true and faithful. Don’t gossip, don’t judge, and don’t stir up animosity or trouble. Try to be a peacemaker where you are able.

Think outside the box. It’s always going to be easier to respond according to our sin nature. You know. Grouchy, impatient, judgy, etc.

But always consider that all people are God’s creation. All people have hidden sorrow. And you need grace, too.

Now, go and share the Gospel of Jesus in your world!

How beautiful are the feet of those

who bring the Good News of Jesus to the world!

Isaiah 52:7 (Paraphrased)

World English Bible (WEB)

by Public Domain. The name “World English Bible” is trademarked.