Humble Grace
by Brenda Kis
1 Peter 5:5
Likewise, you younger ones, be subject to the elder. Yes, all of you clothe yourselves with humility and subject yourselves to one another; for “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”
One of the enduring pictures in my mind is of an individual I respect, someone highly placed in the university near my home, standing outside the local market chatting with someone considered lacking in good mental health and social graces.
I didn’t hear anything said, but I saw them and understood that the university man was treating the outcast like a friend and peer, having a conversation as equals. My respect soared even higher for them both: the one for showing the grace of brotherhood to his downtrodden fellow, and the other because I saw him in a renewed light as God’s precious child and worthy of a place in the world.
What was the characteristic of the one I admired? His humility.
Something about a humble person receives the commendation of both humans and God. The humble person is teachable; they know they don’t know everything, so they don’t wear an unapproachable mask of arrogance. They listen carefully to what others have to say.
The humble are courteous, not pushing their way through according to what they perceive to be their rights; they understand that rude behavior belongs to the proud.
Humble people feel their need of grace, so they are able to extend grace to others. Isn’t that just like God?
Reflection
How do I treat people who are younger than I? How do I relate to those who are older? How do I interact with people who are more challenged and less privileged?
Prayer
Dear Lord, Please grant me the blessings of Your humility and grace. May I always be able to recognize You in the eyes of Your children. In Christ’s name I humbly pray, Amen.
