Extending Grace)

Over our years of marriage, Matthew and I have realized it’s hard to extend grace to the other in areas where we ourselves are strong. It’s easy for me to critique him in the areas where I don’t struggle, and visa versa. We’ve been learning it is actually right in those areas where we need to extend the most grace to each other. We also recognize that each of us really wants grace, yet each of us, at times, struggles to give grace. It’s this same lesson I talk to my kids about frequently. They can easily become frustrated with each other and want to hold a sibling to a high standard, but a moment later, they want grace when they don’t live up to that high standard. I find myself correcting them, but at the same time totally relating to them! We all desire grace, but often have a hard time giving it to others. One of my favorite things about being a Jesus follower is that Jesus is the perfect example for how we should live. We don’t have to wonder how He would respond to a situation, because we have example after example of how He did respond to situations. One of ways Jesus was an example for us is in the area of grace. Jesus showed us the ultimate form of grace through living a sinless life, yet dying on the cross for our sins. There isn’t a better example of grace than that right there! He took on a punishment He didn’t deserve so we could be in right standing with God. This mind-blowing gift of grace should compel us to live differently, to extend grace in extravagant ways. But, if you’re anything like me, even though I’ve received the ultimate form of grace, I still struggle to give grace to others. It’s crazy but it’s true. In order to extend the grace that Jesus modeled, I have to fight against my human nature. Giving grace, like most things God asks us to do, is not a natural response. My natural response is pride, wanting to prove a point, selfishness, self-protection, making myself feel good. Those responses won’t lead me to experiencing the full life that God offers. The full life that God offers will come through extending grace, humility, thinking of others before myself, treating others the way I want to be treated, and in serving others. I have to be purposed to fight against my flesh, submit myself to God, and allow Him to transform me in this area. Only then will I be able to give the grace that I’ve been called to give. Only then will I experience the full life that God offers. What situation in your life do you feel God is calling you to extend grace? In what relationship do you feel challenged to fight against your natural response and instead give grace? What are some practical steps you can take to extend grace? What are some reminders of God’s grace in your own life that can encourage you to give grace to others? Here are a few prayers that I’ve been praying this week. God, help me to: -Remember areas of my life where You have shown extravagant grace to me. -See areas in my own life where I need to be giving grace to others. -Develop a natural rhythm of extending grace. -See and love people the way You see and love them.