“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—“—Ephesians 2:8

According to Ephesians 2:8, I can take no credit for being saved. Yes, I had to accept Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior but the only reason He welcomed me with open arms is not because I did anything to deserve it. It is because He is a loving God who doesn’t want anyone to perish. It is called, God’s grace.

God’s grace changes us. Through it, we receive His love and give it. One of the ways we give His love to others is by extending the same grace to them that we are afforded from God. God provides His grace and mercy each day for us through Jesus. Thank You, God.

Extending grace with my mother is definitely an area God has been growing me. In the flesh, I know I can’t control my tongue with her, but God can. Rather than react, I have set boundaries. When my mother starts to get unreasonable, I now calmly say, ok mom, it’s time for me to go. I will see you tomorrow. I don’t engage. I leave. Gentleness = Peace.

Jesus is the perfect example of gentleness in Matthew 11:29.“Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (NLT)  Walking away from a situation that could quickly escalate, gives a weary soul rest.

I have done nothing to deserve God’s grace and mercy for the mistakes I have made. Because of this, I need to do the same when I have been hurt by someone’s words or actions. Forgiveness keeps me from becoming bitter. However, depending on what has happened, it might take time for a relationship to heal.

Sometimes we need some space to give the person who has offended us grace. This doesn’t mean we punish them by giving them the silent treatment. We let the person know that what was said or done was hurtful. If there is an apology, that makes it a bit easier, but many times we don’t get what we expect to happen.

Every day we are in the need of mercy, but we are living in a culture that is quick to cancel, criticize and condemn us. There isn’t a whole lot of mercy flowing in our society. This is where we as Christians need to be different. We give mercy because of the mercy God extended to us through His Son, Jesus. This should motivate us to offer this to others.

As Christians, our lives are to look different than those who live in the world. When we live for Jesus, our Christ-centered actions overflow from our hearts.

Is there a person in your life who you need to offer grace? Remember, offering grace and forgiving someone doesn’t mean that they are going to be a part of your life. It may not be healthy for you. However, it can give you closure knowing you did all you could to make things right.

Father God,

Forgive me when I let pride keep me from extending an olive branch to someone who has offended me. It is only by Your grace that I am saved. Thank You for this precious gift that I did nothing to deserve.  Let Your grace and mercy flow out of me to others. I lift those up to You who are struggling with holding a grudge. Soften their heart to release it to You. I pray these things in the name of Jesus. Amen

March Verse

“The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, for the ears of the wise seek it out.”—Proverbs 18:15

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