Humility as the Pathway to Grace

Read James 4:6 
“But He gives a greater grace. Therefore it says, ‘God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble.’”

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about how grace works—not just the kind of grace that saves us, but the kind that helps us keep going when we’re worn out, burdened, or trying to get it right and still falling short. There’s a part of me that thinks, “God must be tired of me by now.” But then James 4:6 reminds me that God gives more grace. Not less. Not just enough. More. And He gives it not to the strong or the perfect or the put-together—but to the humble. To the ones who show up empty-handed and say, “Lord, I need You.”


The letter of James feels like a conversation with someone who knows the messiness of life. In chapter 4, he’s talking to believers who are letting their selfishness and pride push them into arguments and spiritual drift. It’s as if James is saying, “You’re chasing the wrong things—and it’s costing you.” But right in the middle of that tough conversation comes this beautiful reminder: “But He gives a greater grace.”  The grace that James is talking about here is for living—the help we need in the middle of the struggle. And this is not at all about earning God’s favor—it’s about depending on Him. This verse becomes a turning point, a doorway from pride and striving into surrender and help.


God is not asking you to have it all together. He’s asking you to come to Him. Humbly. Honestly. Willing to admit you can’t do it alone. That’s where His grace meets us. I wonder if James had people in mind who felt like failures—who had let pride or self-focus get the best of them. And instead of giving them shame, he gave them hope: “He gives a greater grace.” Grace that keeps flowing even when we’ve messed up. Grace that invites us back. Grace that says, “Let’s start with what you have.” Grace does not run out when you stumble—it increases because God doesn’t run out of grace. It is ready and real for those that need it.


This week, let’s choose humility—not as a posture of weakness, but of strength through surrender. You don’t have to pretend you’re more than you are. Bring your honest, imperfect self to Jesus. Ask Him to work with what you’ve got. Humility is the invitation for God to move—not because you’ve earned it, but because He loves to give grace. So when you feel like you’re not enough, remember you’re not. But He is. And He gives more grace. Open your hands, open your heart, and let Him do what only He can do with your loaves and fish.