by leaps and bounds

What is grace? The Bible’s definition is:

Grace is the basis for the Christian faith. We believe we are saved by faith through grace. God’s grace is usually defined as undeserved favor. Grace cannot be earned; it is something that is freely given. We count on God’s grace and the bridge he built in our relationship with him.

“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)

Grace is something that has been discussed a lot recently, and it has stayed on my mind. God shows us grace daily… even when we feel we don’t deserve it.

We all have things in our life that we aren’t real happy to admit; but He knows everything we see, do, or think. Still, He shows us grace.

But, do we always show grace? I know I have failed in this. As I said above, God knows EVERYTHING… and yet He still shows us grace.

Our flesh side says, “ I can’t believe what he/she has done in the past. They don’t deserve to be forgiven.” …Hmmmm, I wonder if the tables were turned and it was you that they were talking about???

Giving grace to another person is simply to forgive them unconditionally, just as God forgave us through Christ.

“Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” (Colossians 3:13)

To extend grace to others can be hard, especially when you feel like the other person is evil or that they don’t deserve it. The wonderful thing is that though we are still sinners, and though we mess up daily, God still extends grace and kindness to us.

Hallelujah for that!!!

When we show grace to others, the grace that we show is multiplied back to us.

So….where have you shown grace lately? It’s really not hard to do.

When we are asked to extend grace to someone else, we are giving them favor or approval they haven’t earned. In order to do that, we’re going to have to take a hard look at that person with compassion, sympathy, and concern.

Just remember God shows us grace daily… we need to be able to follow his lead.

Praying this helps someone that might be having a hard time showing grace.

Remember never let your cup be empty☕️

---

Lou Ann Virden is the author of the blog Farmhouse, Coffee and Jesus. She is very active in her church. She volunteers in the food pantry, usher/greeter team, and cleaning crew. She is on the prayer team, is over the sound room team, and she writes the newsletter for her church. Lou Ann and her husband Donnie will be relaunching The Refuge 180 Evangelism Ministry. They have been married for over 40 years. They live on her husband’s family farm with their dog Hunter. In the summer they are busy canning what they harvest from their garden. Her hobbies include going to the beach, reading, camping, and serving however she can. She hopes that her blogs inspires someone that might be dealing with a similar situation.