Extending Grace
If everyone practiced the philosophy of an eye for an eye we’d all be blind. You see, grinding resentment isn’t resolved with revenge; it’s resolved with grace.
The word grace is a short, simple word. But understanding the biblical depth and meaning of grace can take a lifetime of study and application. It's almost a shame that a word describing suppleness of movement or a short, quick prayer before a meal is the same word we use to describe God's unfathomable love for sinners. Nevertheless, it is grace that moves Him to offer us the free gift of salvation and forgiveness.
Grace is what compelled the Apostle Paul to write of a mystery never understood before (1 Corinthians 2:7-13). Grace is also what allows us to relax into another's accepting embrace as he or she gives us the freedom to discover our unique journey laid out by God. So relax as we journey together down the path toward freedom and the wonderment of the surpassing riches of God's grace!
If everyone practiced the philosophy of an eye for an eye we’d all be blind. You see, grinding resentment isn’t resolved with revenge; it’s resolved with grace.
We’ve broken the world. And each of us is responsible. Down deep in our souls lies a little rebel that sometimes whispers and sometimes yells for us to go our own way. Inevitably, when we do, we stumble into a moral morass.
Horizontal grace is our giving to God and to others. We don’t do it to reciprocate but simply because where there is grace there must be giving.
When someone hurts you deeply, it’s easy to feel justified in holding a grudge. But in this message, Chuck Swindoll warns us that holding onto resentment doesn’t just injure our relationship with the other person…it damages our relationship with God.
Some Bible words have been handled and mishandled for so long they've become shopworn and of very little interest to anyone. Not so with the word grace; it still retains its lustre and mystery.
Pride can lead to an independent attitude, leaving little room for acknowledging one's needs or accepting another's attempts to give. Grace that is really amazing is grace that is truly accepting.
Horizontal grace is our giving to God and to others. We don’t do it to reciprocate but simply because where there is grace there must be giving.
Grace is the oil that decreases domestic friction and prompts us to release our partners to be all God would have them be, all the while affirming one another in an atmosphere of unconditional love.
Grace is a great need among all of us who minister in any capacity as members of the Body of Christ seeking to fulfil our callings as followers of Jesus Christ.
Some people believe in Christ as Saviour and yet their lives remain graceless. Ask yourself, "Am I one of them?" Keep your answer in mind as we discover the impact grace can make in a person's life.