We are all sinners in this church. Sometimes we hurt one another – either intentionally, or unintentionally. Following on from this, pride can cause us to not recognise the harm we have done, justify the harm we have done, or if harmed, pride can cause us to justify harming others back.
But before God, we cannot justify ourselves in these things, or in any other sin. Our mouths are silenced by his awesome holiness. But we also know, don’t we, that through Christ he has washed us from our sins and set us free! So, we are set on a different path.
So, what does this mean? We should be humble. The Apostle Peter writes:
All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because,
“God opposes the proud
but shows favour to the humble.”
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. (1 Peter 5:5-6)
It may seem weak in our world to be humble; it may feel like a step back from what is best for us. But God is watching, and he will lift up those who humble themselves, because they know that is what God wants.
As a church of forgiven sinners, as we brush up against one another, having an attitude of humility prepares us to be gracious, and wards off the anxieties and divisions that Satan may seek to open up in our fellowship (1 Peter 5:7-8).
– Sam Pursell