“For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment…” Romans 12:3
Humility starts with grace (to receive something which is undeserved). Grace is multi-faceted as it is a greeting (goodwill), a state of being (calm, content), God’s favor or benefits, His influence over us (effect or power) and His gifts to help us to achieve far beyond our skill set. One thing is clear about grace - it resides in God and must be freely received. It cannot be purchased, won or earned.
“…Who makes you different from anyone else? What do you have that you did not receive?” I Corinthians 4:7
Knowing grace helps us to think with sober judgment. If everything about us is a compilation of God’s grace in one form or another (from birth to breath to blessings) then what on earth could we be proud about and what of heaven should be ours? This is why humility stems from grace and how it always brings peace to relationships. But the proud do not “get” God’s grace - either as a gift from Him or an understanding of it. The arrogant ruin the peace in our lives because they’ll demand, feel they are deserving; compare; complain; criticize and condemn.
We should arise daily in the grace of God’s goodness. To be grateful for all He has done in our past, is currently doing and will do in the future. And, being empowered and prepared by His grace for good works, so we can be a blessing and source of grace for those we encounter.
…And honor one another.
“…Honor one another above yourselves.” Romans 12:10
Honoring one another above ourselves (to defer to, or prefer) flows out of humility. We do this by letting others shine, be right, have the last word, be first, sit in front, or have more. Life will always be a contest, but do we have to compete in our relationships? If we have to win at everything, we may never win any peace.
“Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” Ephesians 4:3
To have peace takes effort. It is natural to want to be preferred, but it is spiritual to prefer. When more than one in a relationship lives this way, it will ensure peace. This is why Jesus came and what the Spirit wants.
From the sermon notes on 3/6/22
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