Learning how to extend grace to others is an important skill since it is part of our calling as children of God. In this article, we will cover some practical ways to mirror the love, grace and mercy of our Heavenly Father. With that said, I want to be transparent in saying the act of extending grace to others is not always easy. As you read through this article, the amazing grace of God is the best model of grace and the biggest motivator to extend grace to others. We all have a circle of influence. Who is God calling you to influence through grace to the glory of God?
Saved by Grace– When we talk about grace we often hear the phrase “unmerited favor”. Favor that we don’t deserve is another way to say that. We are saved by grace, through faith. We cannot earn the favor or salvation of God. While we don’t deserve this forgiveness, it is freely given. In the Bible, the Greek word translated “forgiveness” literally means “to let go”, rather than demanding payment for a debt. As we talk more about how to extend grace to others, we will see how letting things go is a big part of how we extend grace to others.
Extending grace to someone who is acting unlovable is so hard. Honestly, nothing in my flesh wants to extend grace to others. I’d prefer they get what they deserve! I find myself having conversations with God often about the unfairness of it, while fully aware that is part of my calling as a daughter of the Most High.
His Holy Spirit often reminds me that I didn’t deserve grace either, but didn’t receive what I actually deserved. I find that is a helpful way of looking at the sometimes difficult task of extending grace to others. Depending on God’s enablement through prayer is also vital to extending grace to others. Prayerful dependence on God is the only way to live out Christian values. Finally, on the days that I am acting the most unlovable, grace is what I need more than anything. When someone offers me grace instead of what I deserve, it disarms me. Grace changes me, my attitude and . That is the very gift we can give to others around us.
As you were reminded of the free gift of God- grace, how did God’s Spirit speak to your heart? Did you feel empowered to see the world through God’s eyes? Who is He calling you to share grace with in your circle of influence? As I reviewed the Bible verses above I am praying that God will help me with assuming the best, gentle words and speaking the truth in love. How are you depending on God to help you extend grace to others?
