4:141 – Live In and With Grace

#faithbites #faithbites grace

Setting

Merriam-Webster defines grace as both a noun and a verb. The first definition of the noun form means, “unmerited divine assistance given to humans for their regeneration or sanctification”. It can also mean approval, favor, charming characteristic, a pleasing appearance, a short prayer at a meal, or even a title. (Well, I do have a niece named Grace). The verb form means to confer dignity or honor on.

If you’ve made it this far, you are probably wondering why we are talking about grace? Let’s face it, this world is hard, and we all mess up. When my school went online at the beginning of the Pandemic, we were doing our best, trying hard and messing up. The term we used was grace. We all need to have it. No one is perfect as we are all born sinners. It doesn’t matter how you messed up or why. If we admit we messed up, we can be forgiven. Also, when someone makes an honest mistake, have a little grace. God gives us his Grace and forgiveness everyday. In this way, we are using his unmerited divine assistance for regeneration. We are forgiven children of God.

Today’s questions: How do you show God’s grace to others? What does it mean, in your own words, to forgive and show the same level of Grace to others that God gave to you?

Scripture

• 2 Corinthians 12:9 – But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
• Romans 11:6 – But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works; otherwise grace would no longer be grace.
• Ephesians 2:8 – For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of Go
• Ephesians 4:7 – But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift.

Reflection

First and foremost, God’s Grace is sufficient for us. He forgave us and continues to forgive us. That is never in doubt. We see this over and over in scripture and if we believe God’s word is true, then so is this. We also know that our redemption is not because of our works but based on grace (unmerited divine assistance).

Second and it is a fact: You will be wronged by someone. It may be a little wrong such as someone stepping on your toes, saying the wrong word, using a wrong phrase, or just making a mistake. In most cases, it won’t be intentional, but you will feel the sting. Forgive. Let them apologize, grow, and learn. In cases when it is intentional, we need to forgive. As someone once told me, holding a grudge is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die. It doesn’t work that way.

I have been hurt time and time again. I also know I have hurt people by my actions or inactions. For that I am sorry. I strongly believe in sharing the forgiveness of Christ and knowing that if he can forgive a sinner like me, I can forgive anyone.

As we close, remember, most peopel are just trying to live the best lives they can. They aren’t out to get you, hurt you, or condemn. you. Show them grace and as Jesus says forgive them not seven times but seventy-seven times (Matthew 18:21-22)

Prayer

Father God, you have showed us ultimate Grace by forgiving our sins when we didn’t deserve it. You gave us chance after chance to change our ways and when we didn’t/couldn’t sent Jesus to do it for us. We can never thank you enough for that. Tonight we pray for that same Grace to flood the Earth. Help us to forgive people even if they don’t deserve it. Let us forgive missteps and help make them white as snow as you do in your forgiveness. We pray all of this in your name, Amen.