“Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.” Ephesians 4:29
For the past 10 days, I have been contemplating God’s grace to us and how we, in turn, can extend grace to others.
We naturally do just the opposite. We see and tell people how they should change rather than encouraging them in what they are doing right. So often we are impatient with a sales clerk, point out faults in our spouse and children; we slander co-workers and pastors. How can we become gracious – more like Jesus.
Richard Blackaby in his book, “Putting a Face on Grace”, has a list of tips for us.
- Speak words intended to build up, not to bring down.
- Focus on their need rather then your own.
- Freely forgive.
- Swallow you pride and say, “I’m sorry”, and “I was wrong.”
- Live your life with a goal of “no regrets”.
- Don’t keep score of what is fair.
- Grace doesn’t condemn or give up on people.
- Grace emphasizes mercy, not justice.
- Read 1 Corinthians 13 regularly.
And always keep in mind that it is God’s Spirit within us who will change us into becoming people who extend grace to others.
Father, you continually show grace to your children no matter how many times we mess up. Thank you so much. We don’t deserve your love. Enable us, through the power of your Holy Spirit, to become people of grace. Amen
Who is God?
