If others act with want of uprightness towards us, and we are irritated, it is a proof that we are then dealing rather with the creature than with God.
Those are the best fitted for the work of reproof, who are severe against themselves, but gentle towards others; whilst such as are forward to reprove most need reproof themselves.
Poverty of Spirit
We must live as beggars upon the love of Christ; we are never safe from snares but as we are thus poor in spirit.
Christ was the only one who could, without a struggle, be content to be “a worm, and no man.” (Ps. 22:6.)
The self-exalted person as much degrades himself in God’s sight, as he exalts himself in his own.
We sink into nothingness as we grow up into Christ.
To grow in poverty of spirit is truly to grow in grace: “Without Me ye can do nothing.” (John 15:5.) If we be sitting at the feet of Jesus, all carnal boasting is excluded, we have His mind of wisdom in all things, and cannot behave ourselves unseemly.
No rest have we for the sole of our foot except in Christ; and whenever a poor needy one seeks Him, He deals by such an one as did Noah by the dove. Noah put forth his hand and took her in unto him into the ark.
If we upbraid ourselves, Christ justifies. If we be dumb in our own defence, He opens His mouth to plead our cause, and our wounded hearts He binds up.