Psalm 138:6 – Though the Lord be high, yet hath he respect unto the lowly: but the proud he knoweth afar off.
One of the hardest things for people to understand (myself included) is that God understands our human plight. Though holy and infinite in power, the Lord sympathizes with the lowliest of persons. As the Psalmist David put it, “He remembers that we are dust” (Psalm 103:14).
Honestly we struggle to understand the needs of others at times and especially those we think lower in status or simply too different from ourselves. For this reason, the wisdom of God’s Word teaches us to care for the downtrodden, the widows, the orphans. Jesus demonstrated this compassion by healing countless people suffering from blindness, deafness, paralysis, and many other issues. Furthermore, the Savior’s wisdom showed all people how to enjoy an abundant life filled with joy and peace. Chief among those teachings is love for others.
While humble submission to the Lord leads to this abundant life, pride shackles us to the world’s expectations, its biases and its failures. Pride stands in the way of love and compassion, understanding and wisdom. It keeps us far from God’s felt presence. When pride rears up in your heart, stamp it out.
Instead, brothers and sisters, let us approach Almighty God with reverence and godly fear. We are yet sinners, but because of Christ’s compassion, we may approach Him. If by grace we are saved, let us love as a people who knows that God kneels down to care for us all as little children.