The Grace Of Jesus
Lately my mind has been turning to Grace, the kind that Jesus embodied! What I've come to understand is that Jesus' grace can be defined as,
'unmerited favour'
So often, in the gospels, we see His love that's so deep it reaches far beyond the norm, out to the undeserving, the broken, and the lost. And it's not something any of us can buy, it's is not a transactional gift, rather it's a 'transformational gift', for He said in Matthew 11:38
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
In this we can say that 'Grace' isn’t something we earn, rather, it’s a peace that we're given!
Look at what Jesus taught concerning the key atributes that must identify us as Christians?
- LOVE, He calls us to love radically and unconditionally!
Jesus commanded us to have love that transcends boundaries; even to the extent that we love those who hate us! (hard to do, that's for sure!) he said in Luke 6:27-28
"I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you"
In this we learn that Love is more than a feeling; it’s an action that chooses kindness when it’s hardest!
- LEADERSHIP Jesus lived a life filled with humility and service, so we should do likewise!
Jesus' style of leadership was one that demonstrated leadership through servanthood. He put others first, and in Mark 9:35 he told us to do likewise:
“Whoever wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all."
This helps come to the realisation that true greatness isn’t measured by how far we can stick our noses up in the air; but by how low we're willing to stoop to help lift someone else up!
- FORGIVENESS We need look at how Jesus forgives; because it's limitless!
Grace is manifested most powerfully through forgiveness when we release the sins of others, just as we’ve been forgiven! He tells us in Matthew 6:14
“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.”
But here's the thing, forgiveness isn’t saying what happened was okay. far from it, it’s saying you won’t let it be teathered to your heart like some medieval ball and chain to drag around forever! When we do that we allow the wrong to eat at us like a rampant cancer! So learn to leave it with Jesus and let it go!
- TRUST in God’s Provision
Jesus taught that we should rely on God for our material needs, rather than worrying about them ourselves! Now don't be going daft here, we still need to earn a living, but we all need to make sure that work doesn't become our life! So keep your barn's small just as he taught us in Matthew 6:26
“Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?"
Just remember, worry weighs us down; but trust lifts us up!
How can we practically apply Jesus’ teachings to our daily lives?
a. Unconditional Love: we could try to encourage that person we struggled with!
b. Servant Leadership: If you wouldn't do the task yourself, then don't ask someone else to do it! Step up and do it yourself, without seeking recognition! Glory belongs to God, not us!
c. Forgiveness: Write down a hurt, pray about it, then tear that piece of paper up as a symbolic act of release!,,,,,it's gone!
d. Trust Over Worry: Start a gratitude journal, list three things you’re thankful for each morning!
e. Grace in Speech, Pause before reacting!
This is easier said than done, and to be honest the one I need to work on most! Recently a friend gave me some good advise on this, when you're bouncing of the ceiling and about to snap at someone, pause, take a deep breath, hold it for a moment, then slowly releasing your breath,,now you're grounded again, and able to choose words that build up, rather than tear down! (give it a go, it works!)
If these thoughts inspire you make them your own by developing them further for yourself.
Some final thoughts;
About Grace: “We can’t out sin God’s love, but we can choose to live like we’ve been caught by it!"
About Love: “Love isn’t a wall we build around our hearts to keep us safe. It’s a door to our heart that we open to let others in.”
About Forgiveness: “Holding a grudge against someone is like drinking poison and waiting for that person to get sick.”
About Faith: “We don’t need a road map to follow when we personally know the Guide!” so step out in faith!
About Service: “Our legacy is'n’t what we build for ourselves, but what we build in others.”
Finally, Jesus said in John 15:5
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”
Grace is so much more that a theological notion; it’s the very power that enables us to live as Jesus taught. Grace isn't something that we muster up by ourselves; it's a gift that we receive and let flow through us. Each act of love and kindness, each choice to forgive, each moment of trust is a branch that draws life into us from the Vine.
Grace changes everything; not because it erases our past, but because it rewrites our future. So let’s live as we've been taught!
Have a great week, and God bless,
Trev.
a classic, 😄