Let Go of Your Pride

But he gives more grace. Therefore, it says, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”
(James 4:6)

Have you ever known someone who's all about themselves? That would have been me about 20 years ago. I used to think I was pretty hot stuff. I didn’t think I was all that handsome or one of the beautiful people, but that didn’t stop me from thinking pretty highly of myself. I couldn’t have cared less about you or whatever problems you were having. If you knew me back then, you may have been tempted to wish someone would knock me down a peg or two.

As I look back, I know that God actually did. Only he didn’t just knock me down a peg or two, he knocked me all the way off the board. I was so stuck on myself that when it all began to fall apart, I fell all the way to the bottom. That’s where God found me, at the bottom, where I deserved to be after the way I had been all my adult life. He took my broken pride and turned it into humility. I’m not perfect but I’m a whole lot better than I used to be. All because of God’s grace on me!

It was by God’s abundant grace that he chose to save me. He gave me a new heart, a new life and a new purpose. Now I try to remember the grace of God is for the humble. So, now I humble myself and pray for the haughty because, like me before I was saved, they stand in opposition to God. When I stop for a minute and think, I realize not many people take the time to pray for God to soften their hearts. I know he wants me to pray for them because they need a savior just as much as I did. If he can save me, he can save them too.



And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ.
(Ephesians 4:32) 

Lord God in heaven, you are glorious and fill us with wonder. You are patient with us when we fail to live up to your standards. You forgive with empathy and kindness. Lord, when we have sinned against you, we covet the forgiveness Jesus made possible on the cross. Why then, Lord God, is it so hard for us to forgive our brothers and sisters in Christ? We hold grudges against them for things we’ve done ourselves. We always expect forgiveness but often withhold it. Give us that same spirit of forgiveness when someone sins against us. Remind us that Jesus shed his blood to make a way for us to be reconciled to you, Father. His blood cleanses us of sin when we repent and turn to him. If we dare to expect forgiveness, we must also forgive. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen!
Location: Kendall, NY 14476, USA

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