by Janet Wahlquist
This month I have been meditating on the great contrast between Graciousness and Peevishness. How I long to put on the lovely robes of a gracious spirit and yet find myself donning the fencing gear of peevish petulance. Friction between people, irritation which builds up, and frustration all indicate a lack of the anointing oil of grace in our lives. Graciousness springs from grace. It is something given by God. This gift of being in God's will and being enabled to do His will is priceless. And to whom is it given? "God gives grace to the humble." That explains to me why it is often absent in my manner. "Only by pride cometh contention." Pride prevents me from putting on graciousness.
"But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble." (James 4:6)
"Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up." (James 4:10)
A definition of this wonderful quality is: "favorable, kind, benevolent, disposed to forgive offenses and impart unmerited blessings." Only God can work this in our lives. It is His way, and it marks His followers. When we are in communion with Him, and accept His will in all the big and small trials of life, we are humbled. We offer up the sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving. We yield our own expectations up to His trustworthy care, and graciousness pours forth.
"Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:" (1 Peter 5:5,6)
In opposition to this is what I call "Peevishness." Here is the Noah Webster 1828 Dictionary definition:
"Peevish: Fretful, petulant, apt to complain or murmur, easily vexed or fretted, querulous, hard to please."
When we have the attitude that others should cater to us, we will develop a sour temper. This is the epitomy of self-centeredness, and yet our expectations and demands for happiness actually sabotage us. Seeking our own happiness thwarts the very joy and peace God has promised. The root of this is pride. "I know what is best. If only they would act right. This situation, response, or action is needed for me to be happy." This is the direct opposite of Paul's injunction , "Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others." Phil. 2:4.
"Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;" (Col. 3:12)
When we find ourselves feeling peevish, let us remember to humble ourselves under whatever situation that God has given us. Let us thank Him and praise Him for what He is working for our good. He will provide a rich measure of Graciousness to revive us and spill over to bless others.
"For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones." (Isaiah 57:15)
