A Faith That Works When Life Doesn’t: Part 4Намуна

Stop Quarrels with Humility and Grace

Let’s be honest, even when we love someone dearly, there’s a good chance they still get on our nerves—and it’s often because of our pride.

For instance, have you ever been so prideful that you could not compromise on something, even though you knew you should? Have you ever been in an argument with your spouse or a close friend and you knew you were wrong, but you just couldn't admit it? Of course, you have. We’ve all been there! We are full of pride, and that’s why we all experience conflict in our lives.

“‘God is against the proud, but he gives his grace to the humble.’ So give yourselves completely to God" (James 4:6-7 NCV).

God declares war on pride, ego, arrogance, and selfishness. Any time pride rears its head in your life, you’re opposing God.

God doesn't look at pride and just say, "Oh, that's a little petty." He openly opposes people who are prideful. God declares war on the ego.

 You may have already noticed this, but God has a unique way of engineering circumstances that deflate your ego. It’s dangerous to be in opposition to God. When you're on a collision course with the Creator of the universe, you are going to lose. 

If pride causes quarrels, then humility can prevent them. Every time you’re humble, you will get along better with your wife, kids, friends, employees, church members, and neighbors.

James 4 says God gives grace to the humble. Grace is the power to change. If you want to stop the fighting in your life, then you need grace. And there's only one way to get grace: Be humble. God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble.

Humble yourself, and then give yourself completely to God.

Giving yourself completely to God means you’ve surrendered everything to him, including your pride. Humble yourself so that you can experience freedom from quarreling and conflict.

Talk It Over

• Think of a recent conflict in your life where you wish you responded with more humility. How do you think it might have turned out differently?
• Think of a practical example of what it looks like to surrender yourself to God.
• God opposes the proud and gives grace to the humble. What does that tell you about his character?

This devotional © 2021 by Rick Warren. All rights reserved. Used by permission.