God’s hand is always good to us, and He never does anything evil toward us. It is by God’s gracious work that Jesus Christ came seeking us, endured the suffering of the cross at Calvary, and gave us the hope of salvation.
The Lord continually shows kindness to humanity, yet people often fall into sin. It is only through God’s mercy and compassion that we are not consumed.
“Thus speaketh the LORD of hosts, saying, Execute true judgment, and shew mercy and compassions every man to his brother.” (Zechariah 7:9, KJV)
God expects us to walk in humility before Him. When we humble ourselves before God, goodness can enter our lives.
- God hears the humble heart:
“Because thine heart was tender, and thou didst humble thyself before God… and didst rend thy clothes, and weep before me; I have even heard thee also, saith the LORD.” (2 Chronicles 34:27, KJV) - God leads the humble in the right path:
“The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way.” (Psalm 25:9, KJV) - God honors those who are humble:
“The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility.” (Proverbs 15:33, KJV) - Through humility and reverence for the Lord come blessings:
“By humility and the fear of the LORD are riches, and honour, and life.” (Proverbs 22:4, KJV) - God lifts up the humble:
“The LORD lifteth up the meek: he casteth the wicked down to the ground.” (Psalm 147:6, KJV) - Wisdom is given to those who are humble:
“When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom.” (Proverbs 11:2, KJV) - In the kingdom of heaven, humility brings greatness:
“Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 18:4, KJV)
God exalts those who humble themselves:
“And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.” (Matthew 23:12, KJV)
“Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.” (James 4:10, KJV)
Humility can even turn away God’s anger:
“Notwithstanding Hezekiah humbled himself for the pride of his heart… so that the wrath of the LORD came not upon them in the days of Hezekiah.” (2 Chronicles 32:26, KJV)
Jesus Christ Himself is the greatest example of humility. Though He was equal with God, He humbled Himself and became obedient even to death on the cross. Because of this obedience, God exalted Him and gave Him the name above every name, so that every knee should bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord (Philippians 2:5–13, KJV).
Therefore, let us pray that God will grant us abundant grace to humble ourselves before Him, so that we may experience His goodness in our lives.
Source: A paraphrase of a sermon presented by a preacher.
