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Answer
In 1 Peter 5:5, a clear distinction is made between God’s attitude toward two groups of people, the proud and the humble: “Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble’” (ESV). Humility should define our interactions with fellow believers, as also emphasized in various other Bible passages (e.g., Proverbs 11:2; Matthew 23:12; James 4:6; Luke 14:11). Thankfully, we are assured that God extends grace to the humble.
The grace bestowed by God upon the humble is His gift of kindness and favor. This grace is given to those who maintain a humble attitude, value others, and submit to God’s will. Christians are urged to follow Jesus’ example, willingly setting aside their privileges to serve God and humanity (Philippians 2:5-8). This divine grace begins with salvation, as only the humble recognize their need for a Savior. Jesus implied this when He said to the Pharisees, “For I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners” «But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. », (Matthew 9:13, NLT). The Pharisees, relying on their self-righteousness, rejected Christ in pride, while societal outcasts, acknowledging their sinfulness, sought Jesus’ help (verse 10).
Beyond salvation, God’s grace toward the humble includes granting honor at the appropriate time, as indicated.
As stated in 1 Peter 5:6: “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.” Our inherent desire for honor and exaltation is God-given, and only He knows the perfect timing for our elevation. Seeking recognition through our own efforts leads to arrogance, but embracing humility gives God the chance to bestow honor upon us—whether in this life, the next, or both. Many esteemed Christians in the past may not have anticipated how God would exalt them, but He did, sometimes even after their passing. Similarly, our unnoticed acts of service will eventually be rewarded. Every believer can anticipate glorification upon Christ’s return (1 Corinthians 15:51-53;Philippians 3:20-21) and receive recompense for faithful service (1 Corinthians 3:12-14;Colossians 3:23-24). In the life of Jesus, we see a model of exaltation following humility (Philippians 2:7-11).
Many shy away from humility fearing it might portray them as feeble, insignificant, or dishonored, but the Scriptures suggest otherwise. It is the prideful who should be wary and repent, lest they encounter resistance from God Himself. Conversely, the humble are the recipients of God’s unmerited favor.
