Instruct the wise, and they will be even wiser
Have you ever felt a deep longing for something more? A sense of divine help, an unexplainable strength in the face of difficulty, or a peace that surpasses understanding? What you might be seeking is grace – God’s unmerited favour, His loving kindness poured out upon us. But is grace simply a passive gift, or is there a way we can open ourselves to receive it in greater abundance? Today, we embark on a journey to understand just that. Join us as we explore the powerful principles that unlock the flow of God’s grace into our lives, guiding us towards a deeper connection and a richer experience of His boundless love. This article shares how to actively position yourself to receive this precious gift in greater measure.
6 But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6). The NIV says it this way: 6 But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proud but shows favour to the humble.”
In James 4:6, it states that God gives more grace. If God can give more grace, that implies that some people may have less grace. This raises the question: what is grace, and how can one obtain more of it? The Bible uses the term “grace” in various contexts. It not only refers to God’s favour toward us, which is undeserved and unearned, but also encompasses His ability to empower us to achieve what we cannot accomplish on our own. Essentially, that is the essence of grace.
Romans 12 discusses the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Whether you have the gift of prophecy or the gift of administration, you should use these gifts in accordance with the proportion of faith that has been given to you. These gifts are referred to as grace gifts. 6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; 7 if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; 8 if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully (Romans 12:6-7).
1 Corinthians 12 states that each person is given the manifestation of the Spirit to use according to the grace given to them. The term “grace” not only refers to God’s favour and power but also encompasses the spiritual gifts we receive. James 4:6 emphasises that it is possible to receive additional grace. There are various types of grace, including the grace for salvation, the grace to manifest spiritual gifts such as prophecy, healing, and miracles, as well as the grace to give and serve. For instance, there is a saving grace that is available to everyone. Titus 2:11 says, ‘The grace of God that brings salvation has appeared unto all men’.
Also, the Bible says in Ephesians 2:8-9 that ‘For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – 9 not by works, so that no one can boast.’ Every person on this planet has experienced saving grace, which provides a payment for their sins and offers salvation as a free gift. This grace is available to everyone, but you can seek even more grace. In James 4:6, it states, “But he gives more grace.” Friend, don’t limit yourself to just the grace of salvation; you need additional grace. You need the ability of God and the manifestation of His presence in your life, including spiritual gifts. So, how do you receive more grace? The verse continues: “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” Did you know that the more you humble yourself, the more grace will be granted to you?
" To humble yourself means to acknowledge your dependence on God and to willingly submit to His will while serving others selflessly. "
Humility is not highly valued in our society today. If you observe the popular figures around us, such as political candidates, you’ll notice a distinct lack of humility among them. The individuals who grace our magazine covers, many athletes, and leaders in various fields tend to be boastful. While it’s important to possess confidence and boldness, humility is often perceived as weakness and has fallen out of favour. In fact, we frequently see people promoting themselves, focusing solely on their own achievements, which contrasts sharply with the teachings of the Word of God.
It’s crucial for us to recognise that God’s kingdom functions according to a different system from the one in this world. As members of the body of Christ, we have a responsibility to speak out on these matters and challenge the prevailing culture. Otherwise, those growing up in this environment will be constantly bombarded by the internet, television, movies, magazines, and various other influences. If the body of Christ does not stand up and address these issues, people will inevitably be swayed by these external forces. This phenomenon has occurred because our society is often rooted in selfishness, pride, and arrogance. Many are focused on promoting themselves and engaging in behaviours that are entirely contrary to the teachings of the Word of God.
To humble yourself means to acknowledge your dependence on God and to willingly submit to His will while serving others selflessly. I want to encourage you because humility is probably not something most people actively pray for or desire. In fact, it may not even be a goal for many Christians, but it should be. I’m sharing what the Word of God says about humility and pride, highlighting the overwhelming evidence in favour of humility. This virtue is very close to God’s heart. In Matthew 11:29, Jesus spoke of Himself, saying that He was gentle and humble in heart. Jesus, who is God manifested in the flesh, exemplified humility and gentleness.
Religion has often portrayed humility as a sign of weakness or cowardice, but I assure you that God embodies genuine humility. Jesus described himself as gentle and humble in heart, yet there was nothing weak about him. He was strong and bold, unafraid of Herod or any religious leaders. Let’s explore what the Bible says about pride and how God opposes the proud. James 4:6 says, 6 But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” 7 Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.
Grace can refer to favour, anointing, and any good thing that comes from God. You can experience more of God’s power, favour, and other blessings in your life. It’s important to recognise that, as born-again believers, we have the fullness of Christ dwelling within us. However, to have Him work through our souls and manifest in our bodies, we need to humble ourselves. You can experience greater manifestations of God, more anointing in your life, increased wisdom, better favour with others, and many other good things. The Bible says that God gives more grace to the humble. Therefore, if this is true, it follows that a lack of humility limits God’s grace in your life.
