“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them."
Ephesians 2:8-10 KVJ
Grace is the unmerited favor of God towards us, even when we do not deserve it. Grace is the reason behind our deliverance. Grace is not about us but is God’s gift to us. It is not because of our good works, but simply because of the love He has for us. We live EVERYDAY by His grace.
As God extends Grace to us, why is it so hard to extend grace to others? What if God had that same attitude towards us? Where would we be?
“And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.” John 1:16 KJV
It can be difficult extending grace to others when we think they do not deserve it. We, oftentimes, try to find a way to justify it. Especially if someone has hurt or slighted us is some way. Or when someone betrayed our trust or disregarded our feelings. When we fail to extend grace, we are only hurting ourselves, more than the person and/or persons who hurt us. No, it is not giving them a free pass, ignoring fault, failure, or bad behavior. Nor tolerating sin and looking the other way. There may be consequences to their behavior, but it does not have to take up residence in our hearts. Do not allow bitterness, unforgiveness, and grudges to hinder your relationship with God or others.
To extend grace is a choice. As Christians, we are to be people of truth, having wisdom and grace. Therefore, be wise and cognizant of your words and actions because someone is listening to the words you speak, and they are reading the words that you type. Whether they ever comment, acknowledge, or react to what you may post or tweet…...be it family, friends, or strangers……they are watching.
“Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.” Ephesians 4:29 KJV
Our words and actions are testaments of our true relationship with God and the effect He has on our lives and in our hearts. Especially as “Believers” who welcome God’s grace but refuse to show it to others. Being mean-spirited, condescending, harsh, rude, and critical, is contrary to the word of God and what He teaches us, and it also contrary to His character.
How can we rejoice in God’s grace, mercy, and favor, then turn around and refuse to give it to others? Just as God extends His amazing grace to us, as Christians, we should be gracious towards others. Do not hesitate to show grace today. Encourage, affirm, and help others. Show love and restore those who may feel shame, helplessness, or may be at their lowest point. Just as we are given grace, we should be humble enough to give it others. Grace enables us to have a heart of compassion —where we will be able to look past the faults and flaws of others. It means to love your enemies and be kind and show mercy, even to those who have hurt us.
“But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.” Ephesians 4:7 KJV
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