Practicing Grace in MinistryНамуна

Grace in one another ministry 

Each believer is uniquely gifted by God’s grace to minister to others (1 Pet. 4:10–11). The first and most important way to serve others is by loving them, but this is not easy. It means accepting people as they are and trying to see them as God sees them. Grace-filled love can be shown in many ways:

• Be devoted to each other. (Rom. 12:10)

• Be patient and kind to one another. (1 Cor. 13:4)

• Give to others, especially to those in need. (2 Cor. 8:9; 9:6–15)

• Serve one another. (Gal. 5:13) 

• Restore those who sin. (Gal. 6:1)

• Bear one another’s burdens. (Gal. 6:2)

• Forgive one another. (Eph. 4:32) 

• Submit to one another. (Eph. 5:21)

• Comfort and edify one another. (1 Thess. 5:11)

• Pray for each other. (Jas. 5:16)

Loving one another in gray areas, where there is no clear scriptural teaching, requires a lot of grace. Paul wrote a lot about such topics as observing holidays, eating certain foods, and drinking wine (Rom. 14:1–15:6; 1 Cor. 10:23–33). Today we wonder whether Christians may observe traditions associated with holidays like Christmas, Easter, or Halloween, or drink alcoholic beverages, get a tattoo, or watch certain movies and television shows. Believers hold different opinions about these things. How should we treat those with whom we disagree? One course could lead to license, where anything is permissible, regardless of its effect. Another course could lead to legalism, where activities are condemned without a clear biblical warrant. We should freely serve God and others, with love as our chief motive (Gal. 5:13). Additional principles to consider include:

• Do only that which will edify, not enslave you. (1 Cor. 6:12; 10:23)

• Do not do anything that will hurt or hinder others. (Rom.14:19–21; 1 Cor. 8:9–13;  10:24–29)

• Do not despise, show contempt toward, or judge other believers. (Rom. 14:3, 10–13)

• Do everything to the glory of God. (1 Cor. 10:30–31)

• Do not do anything to tarnish your witness to unbelievers. (1 Cor. 10:32–33)

Much more could be said about how to show grace in the Christian community. In general, we should treat others as Christ treats us. He accepts us unconditionally, is patient with us, and gives us room to grow in grace. We should imitate him.