Deeper Life #194

But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.

—James 4:6

IT IS WRONG TO THINK that we must help only the people who deserve it. Sometimes I can almost hear the Spirit of God shout, “Who are you? Did you deserve the salvation of God? Did you deserve the sanctification that God has given you? Did you deserve to be filled with the Holy Spirit?” The answers are obvious. The work of God within our lives is done out of the sheer mercy of God.

For this reason, kindness and holiness always go together. Whenever harshness begins to creep into our actions toward one another, we may be certain that we are swerving from the light of the gospel of Jesus Christ. If we stand in the fullness of God’s blessing, we stand there by the sheer grace of God. So let us have a spirit of humility in our dealings with one another.

Prayer Thought: I give You praise and glory, O God, for the mercy you have shown me. Let me express that mercy in my dealings with others.

SUGGESTED READING: Psalm 142