Who Receives More Grace From God? - Letter from the Pastor

We all love receiving favor, especially when it comes unexpectedly and undeservedly. It’s a special feeling when we experience favor in small, simple ways. I remember one hectic shopping day, when, out of the blue, I was waved over to the new checkout line that had no line at all. It was a small but meaningful gesture, reminding me of how good it feels when unearned favor comes our way.

Let’s turn our attention to God’s undeserved favor—what the Bible calls "grace." There is a powerful truth that grace can be restrained; in fact, our attitudes and actions can either open or close the door to God’s favor. The Bible makes it clear that there are conditions that affect how God may decide to grant His grace. James, the half-brother of Jesus, speaks directly to this in his letter:

"But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: 'God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.'" (James 4:6)

This scripture reveals that God is generous with His grace to those who are humble but resists the proud. James seems to be quoting Proverbs, where it says: "Surely He scorns the scornful, but gives grace to the humble" (Proverbs 3:34). This highlights a profound principle: God’s grace, often seen as unmerited favor, can be restricted by pride, which manifests in attitudes of arrogance, self-sufficiency, and disdain for others. On the other hand, God’s favor is abundant for those who walk in humility.

Humility, as defined in scripture, means being "low in spirit"—not elevating oneself above others or thinking too highly of one's own importance. It involves having a humble attitude, both in how we see ourselves and how we present ourselves to others.

Conversely, those who are proud or of a "haughty spirit" are resisted by God. My wife, often recalls a saying from her father: “God resists the proud, and so does everyone else.” We've all experienced this truth—either we’ve faced resistance from others in our moments of pride, or we've found ourselves rejecting prideful attitudes and behaviors in others.

As we reflect on the favor we enjoy in life, particularly the favor of God’s grace, let us remember the determining factors of humility and pride. Humility keeps open the door for more grace, while pride shuts it. God is generous with His favor to the humble, but He will oppose the proud.

Let’s all strive to walk humbly before God and with one another.

Have a joyful Sabbath, and as the final words of the Bible declare, “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.” (Revelation 22:21)