In a recent Bible study we talked a lot about grace. It’s because of God’s perfect grace that I am in a love relationship with Christ. John Stott says that “grace is love that cares and stoops and rescues.” Jesus certainly did that for me and that grace never stops.
God’s grace is a generous grace that keeps giving and giving. Because of this grace, I’m to be a grace bearer to others: family, friends, strangers. I love how Richard Blackaby describes grace in his book “Putting a Face on Grace”.
- Grace doesn’t insist on being right. It seeks to make things right.
- Grace doesn’t demand to be heard. It strives to listen and understand.
- Grace doesn’t claim its rights. It voluntarily lays them aside.
- Grace doesn’t look for wrongs. It seeks out what is right.
- Grace builds others up. It focuses on the positive, not the negative.
- Grace is willing to say, “I was wrong. Forgive me.” It forgives others, even if they never ask to be forgiven.
I think of the many people who extended grace to me during the last three years when struggles were deep and pain intense. I remember a counselor asking me what friend I had who would meet with me once a week to check on me and hear my heart. She knew what I needed! My pride didn’t want to ask that of someone, but I did, and she said yes. What grace she extended to me! What healing came through her listening presence, her love, her tender heart, and her words of hope. I think of so many others, family and friends, who were there for me through my sister’s illness and the loss of my mother. They consistently called or sent texts with words of songs, words from the Psalms, prayers, listening ears. Grace is active. Grace is willing to be inconvenienced. Grace is empowering. Grace is graciousness. Grace transforms. How I want to be a woman of grace! Lord, may I show grace to everyone in my life today. And, at the end of the day may I ask, “Where have I shown grace? Where was it lacking?” May I grow in Christ-likeness and never be satisfied until every part of my life is saturated with grace. Amen.
Kristi Pennington 
I’m new to the blogging world but I’m so glad I stumbled on this post. LOVE what you write about God’s grace. I’m still learning to accept that grace He so freely offers. Thank you for this post. Needed it tonight. Blessings.
Thank you for your positive words! So grateful the post spoke to your heart. Yes, it can be hard to accept the grace Jesus offers, but it’s the reason He gave His all for us. And, this grace is free. We just have to bask in that love and grace. There are times we all mess up, but His love and grace to us never change. Two quotes that I love from Brennan Manning are: “It’s free …Grace is sufficient even though we huff and puff with all our might to try to find something or someone it cannot cover. Grace is enough. He is enough. Jesus is enough.” “God loves you unconditionally, as you are and not as you should be, because nobody is as they should.” Blessings.
I love Brennan Manning! It’s been a while since I’ve read those words. Once again, God has used you to speak to me.
This made me think of a current song
i have won.
I have lost.
I got it right sometimes but sometimes I did not.
Life’s been a journey. I’ve seen joy. I’ve seen regret
And You have been my God through all of it. ”
What grace! I need it every day; every moment. And He is there to offer it every time. Thanks for sharing.
I love these lyrics! I will listen to this song soon. Yes, grace is always ours and given perfectly from the One who loves us no matter what. Blessings to you!