In "The Blessing of Humility," Jerry Bridges reminds Christians that we are all called to a life of humility as exhibited by our Lord Jesus during His earthly ministry. Bridges focuses on the Beatitudes as the blueprint to illustrate how true humility can only be practiced through a proper understanding of the gospel itself. In each chapter, the author illustrates how each of these blessings can be experienced by those washed by the blood of Jesus who humbled Himself and died for us on the cross. The material is infused with examples and reflections from Bridge’s wide-spanning ministry and his deep love for God’s Word. Moreover, I appreciate how Bridges constantly reminds believers that humility is not something that happens overnight or by chance but is a fruit of the Spirit that is the result of the Holy Spirit’s transforming power. On the other hand, the author urges believers against falling into spiritual laziness and emphasizes our responsibility in continuously striving for spiritual growth and holiness. Overall, the book is very accessible as Bridges jumps right into the central message of each beatitude and how it can be applied to the Christian life.

I would gladly recommend this book on humility to all Christians. In our society today the call to humility is often drowned out by the dominating messages of selfishness and self-esteem. For Christians however our humble attitude comes from realizing our inadequacy outside of Christ. Bridges hopes for believers to understand that humility is not an option for followers of Christ as we are called to exhibit that same humility every day of our lives. The Beatitudes are not simply encouraging words that Jesus used to comfort those who are oppressed, rejected, and abused in the present of a future state of heavenly bliss. Instead, Bridges argues that these proclamations are present imperatives that Christians need to strive for on the path to learning how to humble ourselves just as Christ did.

In compliance with Federal Trade Commission guidelines, I received a review copy from Tyndale House Publishers in exchange for a book review.

Blog: https://contemplativereflections.wordpress.com/2016/06/20/book-review-the-blessing-of-humility/

If there is one author I can read over and over again, it is Jerry Bridges. I became a fan of his books ever since I read The Pursuit of Holiness. I have read almost every book he has written and hopefully will finish everyone of them.

Earlier this year, Jerry Bridges departed from this world to meet the Savior face-to-face. Many bloggers, including myself, wrote about how Bridges have influenced them. Many on social media posted their favorite quotes from him and he was even a trending topic on Twitter. After Bridges's death, I learned that he wrote one final book, which it was not called that at the time, but now it is. If there is one word to describe Jerry Bridges, it would be humble. He always made sure God's glory was magnified through his writings, the sermons he preached, and in the life he lived as he walked with Jesus. His last book happens to be on humility, which is called, The Blessing of Humility.

Bridges begins the book by saying humility is the second most frequently trait taught in the Bible. He wrote, "All other character traits, in one way or another, are built upon love and humility." No one is more qualified to teach (if there truly was one) about humility then Jerry Bridges himself.

Bridges taught that Jesus was the most humble man who walked the earth. He not only taught humilty, He also lived it. Bridges goes through several passages of scripture that teaches about humility in the Christian life. God also promises to give grace to the humble and exalt those who are humble.

Bridges uses the bulk of the book to go back to the beatitudes taught by Jesus on what it means to be humble. Every ounce of humility comes from a dependence of God in everything for the Christian life from the spiritual things to the most insignificant material object. In the last chapter of this book, Bridges reminds his readers on the gospel message. Being humble means depending on the grace of God in daily living and also knowing that our salvation is intact.

Bridges reminds his readers that the gospel is not just for unbelievers but for all believers which he addresses in great detail in his book, The Gospel for Real Life. In the last paragraph of the book, Bridges says that as we grow in the Christian life, we will become more dependent on the righteousness of Christ which is shown to us in the gospel as well as the Holy Spirit. Dependence on the righteousness of Christ and the Holy Spirit will lead us the humility.

I have that last paragraph underlined because these were Bridges's last written words that I am aware of. Bridges is a genuine believer who loved Jesus and the people he wrote to even though he had never met them, which he did count them as brothers and sisters in the Lord. I have always recommended books by Bridges and will continue to do so. I am delighted to recommend The Blessings of Humility for all Christians to read.