James 4:6-10
6And he gives grace generously. As the Scriptures say, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” 7So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world. 9Let there be tears for what you have done. Let there be sorrow and deep grief. Let there be sadness instead of laughter, and gloom instead of joy. 10Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor.
James 4:6-10 · NLT · read the whole chapter ↗
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Context
chapter 4 begins with fights and arguments among believers. James says the conflict comes from wanting things for ourselves and chasing what the world says will make us happy.
then in verse 6 he turns toward hope. God gives grace generously. he opposes pride, but he is generous to humble people.
the verses that follow are an invitation. come close to God, and he will come close to you. James speaks to people with divided hearts, people who want God and also want everything else.
What it means
God is willing to meet you right where you are. you do not have to clean yourself up first. humility simply means being honest with God about what you need, and he promises to lift you up.
did you know? verse 6 quotes Proverbs 3:34. Peter quotes the same verse in 1 Peter 5:5.
Think about it
what is pulling your heart away from God right now?
Try this
take two quiet minutes today, tell God honestly what is pulling at you and ask him to come close.
pray: God, I want to come close to you. thank you for being generous with your grace toward me.
talk about it: what helps you feel close to God when you feel pulled in two directions?