Devotional 16 September 2025

September 16, 2025 • Steve Torres

1 Peter 5:6-7.jpg

“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.’ Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:5–7, ESV)

Peter reminds us that humility is not optional in the Christian life, it is the very foundation of all our relationships. The younger, whether in years or in faith, are called to submit to those who are more mature. Like an apprentice learning a craft, disciples must humble themselves to learn from the wisdom of those who have walked longer with the Lord (Hebrews 13:17; 1 Corinthians 11:1). But Peter widens the command beyond the young: all are to “clothe themselves” with humility, wrapping every relationship in this Christlike garment (Philippians 2:3–5).

Why is humility so vital? Because God Himself stands against the proud but gives grace to the humble (Proverbs 3:34; James 4:6). Pride destroys fellowship, but humility unites the body of Christ (Ephesians 4:2–3). Moreover, humility is not only how we relate to others, it is how we trust God. To humble ourselves “under the mighty hand of God” means resting in His timing. Advancement in the Kingdom does not come by ambition or self-promotion, but by God’s appointment. “Promotions” are by His invitation alone, just as He raised up Joseph from prison to the palace at the proper time (Genesis 41:41).

Peter ties humility directly to trust: casting all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you. Pride insists on carrying the weight of the future, grasping for control. Humility surrenders those burdens to the Lord, confident that His hand will not place us in the wrong position at the wrong time (Psalm 55:22; Matthew 6:25–34; Philippians 4:6–7). God’s care is not distant or abstract: Jesus, the Good Shepherd, laid down His life for His sheep (John 10:11).

Therefore, let us embrace humility: learning from others, yielding to God’s timing, and entrusting our cares to His loving hand. At the right time, He Himself will lift us up.