Father is full of grace (courteous goodwill) and gives us grace (unmerited favor) at the same time. His fountain flows freely and is an ever vast supply, limitless past the heavenly sky. He gave of His own Son, Yeshua the Messiah, to extend that grace to us.
The grace we give to others can be a challenge for us because, by its very nature, grace is given when it is undeserved. Inside we may be quaking with frustration or even anger as we struggle with thoughts like, “Why should I show that person grace after I’ve been treated the way I have?” But is that not what our Savior did? Though we had done nothing to earn it, He gave of Himself freely, pouring out His life. He didn’t say, “Wait a minute, that person doesn’t deserve My grace!” No, He openly extended the invitation to all who would come. Now we must choose to do the same.
Take time to consider what He desires for you to do in each situation. Will you withhold grace or will you give it away freely? And in the moments that are the hardest to “let go,” remember He is right there, showing the way and flowing like a river of grace and truth.
When faced with a decision, remember you have a choice to make: you can stingily hold back, or you can say, “Who am I to judge?” and trust God to have the final word. Each time we choose to extend grace, it’s easier to do the next time. Our supply—our well of grace—never runs out. It is an everlasting fountain that never runs dry. There is more than enough for all.
I confess, often it feels easier to offer grace to others than to apply it to myself. (And I know I’m not alone in this.) I tend to put a lot of extra pressure on myself because I know my past mistakes and failures. Yet as I pause and look through the eyes of Jesus—which are full of mercy and grace—I know I must extend grace even to myself. He loves me just as I am, even knowing my past and present mistakes. So why do I hesitate to offer myself the same grace that He hands to me daily? I must start by giving myself grace and then let it flow out to others.
Thank You, Father, for the grace You give us today. Each day is a new day filled with Your blessings. May we learn from You and sing aloud of Your goodness letting the world know Your grace is abundant.
Micah 6:8 (CJB) Human being, you have already been told what is good, what Adonai demands of you — no more than to act justly, love grace and walk in purity with your God.
Psalm 59:18 (CJB) My Strength, I will sing praises to you, for God is my fortress, God, who gives me grace.
Psalm 107:1 (CJB) Give thanks to Adonai; for he is good, for his grace continues forever.