He Giveth More Grace
Today’s Verse
But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. ~James 4:6
The Book of James teaches us about the gifts of God. God’s gifts are good, perfect, heavenly, and Father-sent. In our devotion this morning, James encourages us about the gift of grace. We typically think of grace as it relates to salvation. “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” Today, let us see why God gives us more grace.
He gives us grace in our communion.
Grace is available when we humble ourselves before God. We are filled with pride and self-will. When we die to self and crucify our sinful pride, it is then that we experience God’s wonderful grace. The gift of grace is the outflow of a heart that has close and unbroken fellowship with our Lord. “Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you.” “God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.” The closer we draw near to Him, the more grace He gives.
He gives us grace for our conflicts.
The believers James was writing to were engaged in “wars and fightings.” James told them that this was because of unrestrained lusts that warred in their members. When we get offended, have a relationship that goes sideways, or have strife with other people, things can get very difficult. The first necessary step in all conflict resolution is that we must humble ourselves before God and the other person. Our pride resists this because we think it is always the other person’s fault and we expect them to make the first move. However, He giveth more grace! This grace enables us to resist the devil. It enables us to see the path that God has for us clearly. It leads to restored fellowship. He giveth more grace!
He gives grace in our contriteness.
James told these believers in chapter three that they were carnal and fleshly and in chapter four that they were worldly. He said that they were “earthly, sensual, devilish.” Worldliness is found where the pride of life is evident. Contriteness is when we mourn and weep over our sins. It is when we see our sin as God sees them and make confession quickly. Grace blossoms in the heart of those who repent of and forsake their sins. He giveth more grace!
He gives us grace for our consistency.
James said that “a double minded man is unstable in all his ways.” Being double-minded shows that we lack in faith, are indecisive, are non-committal, and tend to walk in the flesh instead of the Spirit. Being double-minded is like the Jews whom Elijah confronted when he asked them, “How long halt ye between two opinions?” We must confess doublemindedness as a sin and purify our hearts. We must have faith in God and His grace to live peaceably with all men and to resolve conflicts in His power. It sounds hard, but He giveth more grace! More grace enables us to have faith and not live a roller-coaster life.
We often think that circumstances and people we have conflicts with are unchangeable. However, God gives us more grace to change us and to strengthen us to do the right thing. Go to the throne of grace, and boldly ask God for more grace to help you where you need to make some changes. He giveth more grace!
Have a grace-enriched God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: Leviticus 8-10