Last time I checked the bible there were 127 uses of the word grace and many more allusions to the concept.
One of my favorite references to grace is found in 1st Peter 4:9-11
9Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. 11If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.
All too often our problem is that this very grace talked about ALL OVER the bible remains stuck in the word and not lived out in our daily lives. I know that I for one am guilty of this on too many occasions to count!
What does grace mean when taken from the bible and lived out?? I think it means
a) Giving someone the benefit of the doubt before assuming the worst or being disappointed in them.
b) Leading with forgiveness, mercy and compassion before leading with consequences and coldness.
c) Responding the way you would hope to be responded to if the "shoe was on the other foot."
And so much more.
My best friend showed up 30 minutes late for a football game when I was 17. We missed the 1st quarter. Lets just say I didn't respond with grace and it was a very long and quiet football game. Later that day I found out that he had been in an accident and in my haste to lead with coldness I shut down a friend / his story / and a great time at the game. Thank God for a forgiving friend!
Have you been disappointed in someone or something recently? How can you respond with grace?
Dear God,
Most of the time I don't do grace like you do. Your grace is inspiring stuff, especially considering what I've done. Would you help me show your grace to others today in a way that inspires them and me and makes you proud?
Amen
What do you think? Feel free to respond!
