Pastor John D Jakes

We talk about grace in the Christian life. We need it! Through grace we discover the amazing love of God. Through grace we have access to God in Jesus. Yet, have we thought about how much we need it from one another? Here are some thoughts about giving grace everyday.

Let me introduce you to two passages that guide my thoughts regarding giving grace to others…

Let not mercy and truth forsake you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Proverbs 3:3

and

Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you. Ephesians 4:32

These two verses serve as the backdrop of how I believe every Christian relationship should function. In today’s world there is a great temptation to act based upon exceptions rather than the rule. In other words, instead of living by these two principles we treat each sin or each wrong as if it requires judgment or retribution. I just have one question for that approach – if each wrong requires that type of response, when do we respond with mercy, tender-heartedness, and forgiveness? I believe that our Scriptures ask us to do something else. This is why God warns us through the apostle James,

This you know, my beloved brethren. But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger; for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God. James 1:19 — 20

For me, the example of Jesus in the temple where He overturns the money tables is the exception not the norm. The norm is Jesus’ teaching about turning the other cheek. The norm is how Jesus went to the cross for me. This is why Proverbs 3:3 and Ephesians 4:32 are my backdrop to every relationship.

What does that look like? Here are the thoughts I consistently aim to show others. These are my “everyday grace” to those I spend my time with:

1. How can I show tender-mercy to the person I am interacting with today?

2. Is anyone receiving my mercy or faithfulness today?

3. Will this person who seems out of sorts be blessed if I am tender toward them?

4. When I am wrong, would I want to be forgiven or judged?

This is grace lived everyday. These are the questions that lead me to bless whoever I am with today. Grace is all the times I have stopped and chosen to bless rather than to grumble. Grace lived everyday is all those choices that seek to make another person a friend rather than an enemy. It is what I wish for from those around me. So, it is what I give.

Something to think about,

Pastor John