G.R.A.C.E.

Another one of Wyandotte Family Church's core values is GRACE. This is a word that we hear often but what is the definition of grace.

Webster defines grace as : disposition to or an act or instance of kindness, courtesy or : unmerited divine assistance given humans for their regeneration or sanctification

I have heard many great preachers say grace is being given what we didn't deserve.

I wanted to take a few moments and add a little depth to the word grace...

G.etting a 2nd chance
-We all know what if feels like to mess up big time, drop the ball or do something wrong. We know what if feels like to fail. It's not a fun feeling. Grace is getting a 2nd chance. It's being able to get up off the floor, dust off our pants and try again. (Romans 3:23-25)

R.eceiving the gift
-The amazing thing about grace is that it can't be earned. When we blow it with God or with another person, we are at their mercy. They technically don't have to show us favor. They don't have to cover our situation and life with grace. When they do, all we can do is humbly receive.
(Ephesians 2:4-6, 8)

A.llowing others room to fail
-It's so amazing how we judge ourselves by our intentions but others by their actions. People will fail and sin (Romans 3:23). Grace is being honest, open and truthful yet understanding others are going to fail. Instead of pounding others when they are down grace is lending a hand to help them back up. (Proverbs 24:16)

C.oncerned with the person
-Jesus Christ gives us grace because He loves us and is concerned about our eternal destiny. However, it often seems that people are more concerned with church rules, traditions and programs than people. People often get hurt and steam rolled as innocent bystanders. Grace is caring and having a genuine concern for others even if they don't reciprocate it. (Psalm 86:15)

E.ngaging
-Grace is an action word (Philippians 2:5-9). Jesus didn't just say He was going to give us something we didn't deserve, He did it. Grace is more than a core value or nice sermon. It comes alive in marriages, friendships, co-workers, in families and at school. Grace is continually in motion and is never neutral.

Jesus has given us "amazing grace." He has given us a 2nd chance. We all have sinned yet He made a way through the cross for us to be forgiven. We have the ability to receive the gift and grace of salvation. We can't earn it but we can receive it. It's amazing how slow to anger and patient God is with us given us room to fail. Jesus is concerned with our lives and cares about every detail. I am so thankful that He is constantly involved and engaging our lives with His love and grace.

On a scale 1-10 (10 being the best) how would you rate your ability to give grace?

When I say difficult person...who was the first person to come to your mind?

Pray and ask God to give you the grace to give to that person. Think about how much God has forgiven you from and covered in His grace. Do the same for others.