Shouts of GraceSample

Grace to Give Grace

The Bible teaches us that we are saved by grace and empowered by grace to do and become all that God desires and has planned for us. Grace is a gift of God that we receive from Him in faith. But did you know that you can do more than receive grace, that you can also give grace?

My nephews run cross-country. One is in high school and the other in middle school. They are both first-year runners. If you’ve ever tried it, you know that running is extremely difficult when you have reached the end of your ability? The race isn’t finished, but you are finished! I admire my nephews’ running. Every time they get out on the track, they are racing against their best time and giving it all they’ve got to do well and hopefully to beat their personal record.

Living across the country from them means I can’t be there to cheer them on when they are rounding that last bend, or climbing that last hill, or when it looks like they are going too slow and might get passed by other runners. I do, though, get to watch the videos, and it is on those videos that I see the power to give grace. When my older nephew encourages his younger brother by cheering him on, all of a sudden exhaustion and survival turn into passion and determination. The encouragement of a brother gives him the energy to push through the limitations. “Out of nowhere” power surges and he is able to finish!

The same is true in the race of life. When our brothers and sisters in Christ are discouraged, fatigued, and wavering in the journey of life, the grace they need can come from your words! From the beginning of creation until now, God’s design is for the spoken word to release His power. It was true on the first day of creation, when God said “Let there be light,” and it was true when Jesus said, “Lazarus come forth.” It is still true today when the Church -- the sons and daughters of God -- open their mouths to speak truth and encouragement and grace to each other. The power of God is released to energize others for the road ahead.

Power to create, power to encourage, and power to give grace are in the words of your mouth. God empowers and energizes His Church with His Church. He has chosen to use your words to give grace to others so that they can stay the course, run the race, and win the prize!

As we read in Ephesians, let’s make an extra effort to speak a good word appropriate for the moment, a word that edifies and builds others up. You have the gift of grace in your mouth and on your lips! Your words can be the strength others need to run their race well. You are gifted and called to be a grace giver! Go find someone who needs an injection of grace today!

- Pastor Theresa Aguilar

Prayer

Holy Spirit, help me to understand the power of my words in the lives of those around me. Where my words have been unwholesome or discouraging to others, I repent and receive your forgiveness. Thank you for giving me the grace to be a grace giver. Open my eyes to the opportunities to speak encouragement and life to those around me, and thank you for grace to speak words that give grace to all who hear my words. Amen.

Journal Directions

1. Name someone you can encourage today -- and two or three more during this next week.
2. Think through what you will say to each of them by asking God what is on His heart for them. Write down an idea or two for each one as you record them in your journal. Is there a scripture or a word that God wants to deliver through you?