The Grace of God Smakprov

How to Show Grace

God sent His only Son to die on a cross to save the entire world—that includes everyone. That includes you. And God did this knowing we’d have no choice but to come to him completely flawed and imperfect. Yet, He sent His Son anyway and calls us His children. That’s grace.

Showing grace to others is closely related to forgiveness. When we know how to show the grace we’ve happily received from God, we become grace-filled people. You probably know people who are full of grace and generously give it to those around them. Grace-filled people aren’t always easy to find—and certainly not easy to become—but when we do find them, we can’t help but want to be around them. Because grace has truly changed them and in the process, they want grace to change others.

Grace-filled people…

...are softer and more forgiving when people’s messy lives impact theirs. 
...don’t look down on others who are struggling. 
...walk alongside those who are wounded. 
...are patient and don’t give up on others. 
...are quick to forgive and reject bitterness.
...aren’t afraid to bust down brick walls around someone’s heart. 
...recognize that their sins are just as bad as the person next to them.

God’s not asking us to sacrifice our children like He did by sending His son for us. He just calls us to love people well. That includes offering the same forgiveness we have happily received from Him. It also means we extend a hand to help them in their need as we withhold making judgments about their situation. Becoming people who are full of grace is a choice we make, not something we feel our way into. 

It’s not easy to “love your neighbor,” but God’s grace gives us the ability to do so. Take some time to evaluate where you are as a grace-filled person. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you where you can grow and improve.