Think about how much happier you would be if you weren’t trying to control or correct everyone around you. Imagine how much more joyful your life would be if everyone you encountered today showed grace to you and others. Think about this. When you are always getting into someone else’s business, you are not only going to burn out, but you are also hindering God from working in their lives.
Showing grace means extending unearned kindness, patience, and forgiveness—even when someone falls short. You can practice it daily by listening without judgment, choosing to forgive instead of holding grudges, assuming the best intentions in others, and remembering your own need for compassion. Take the time to understand someone’s perspective before formulating your response.
Whenever we demonstrate grace to others, we serve without strings attached. We do something kind for someone and support them, expecting nothing in return. Know that sometimes in committing deeply to a moral or religious standard in our attempts to be holy, we may come across as harsh or judging. Just because we don’t feel at liberty to do something doesn’t give us the right to condemn those who do, unless it is something clearly prohibited.
Having strong opinions does not give you the right to impose them on others. Remember, you can have the right idea or a strongly held belief, yet display the wrong attitude. Grace in everyday life includes forgiving those who hurt you, showing patience when someone makes a mistake, and extending kindness when it is not deserved. Grace means giving love and patience instead of anger.
The Bible teaches us to mirror the immense grace God has shown humanity through the Lord. As believers, we are instructed to forgive others completely, just as God has forgiven us.
But demonstrating grace goes beyond those we love. It extends to those who oppose us. We are called to love and pray even for our enemies. The Lord’s instructions are to be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to anger.
Make it a point today to demonstrate grace to others who may oppose you or your beliefs. Be blessed and Never Give Up! Never Give Up! Never Give Up!
Dr. Walter Ghosten
