September 22, 2023
What makes men hard to the poor? they think they shall never be so themselves. Why are many so sharp in their censures, but because they trust too much to their grace, as if they could never fall.
William Gurnall, The Christian in Complete Armour
---
Mr. Gurnall opened my eyes to this sin, which he calls “pride of grace.” It sounds like an oxymoron, but it’s important to clarify that grace cannot be proud, but man can be proud of his grace. This happens when we put our trust in grace, which comes from God, instead of in God himself.
We are guilty of this when we look down on the poor and think we could never fall so low. We can also have this same pride when we look at our brother’s sins and believe we would never be capable of such things. The humble Christian is aware of his weakness and sinful nature and does not have so much pride in the grace God has given him to think he’s above falling.
Paul warns us about this in Galatians and gives us the proper way to treat these people:
Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. (Galatians 6:1)