“And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man” (Luke 2:52)

This verse is admirable, a reflection of the full life of Jesus. Its contents speak of God’s grace expressed in godly influence and growth, spiritually and physically, in every direction. Luke 2:40 speaks a similar thing about John the Baptist: “And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was on him.” Both Jesus and John relished the virtues of grace in great measures. Now, James 4:6 reveals to us an attitude, a lifestyle they possessed which we should emulate. “But He gives us more grace. This is why it says: ‘God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.’”

They lived humbly. God gives grace to the humble. This implies certainly that humility makes us friends of God. This is true for James 4:4 says: “Whoever chooses to be a friend of the world renders himself an enemy of God.” That’s quite a strong statement, but it tells us how God jealously longs for us. James 4:5 affirms this passion saying: “Do you think the Scriptures have no meaning? They say that God is passionate that the spirit He has placed within us should be faithful to Him.”

So, humility is the path to God’s grace. Philippians 2 inspires us (paraphrased): “You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Though He was God… He gave up His divine privileges… He appeared in human form, He humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross… God elevated Him to the place of highest honour and gave Him the name above all other names.”

BeEncouraged❤️ Freely received. Freely share