If Only…

If only I had a little more ________?

If I took an impromptu poll, I believe most people would write “money” in the blank. Some might have written in love, others Jesus, still others wisdom. While those are all good answers, it is not what I would have penciled on the blank. My answer would be grace.

It is easy to look around and see people and judge them by our standards. We think to ourselves, “I wouldn’t do it that way.” I wouldn’t spend so much money on a car.  They have way more than I will ever have.” Money can effect us in so many ways, including distancing ourselves from the people who may need us the most. Our level of income does not stop us from being good examples. We all need a little more grace.

It is probably easier to be a millionaire than to fully embrace the attribute of grace. It is not easy to ooze kindness, compassion, patience or love. It is easier to be jealous, emotional, impatient, judgmental, and contemptuous. The last being what I save for those teams playing Florida State.

We are known by our character as Christians and our character is not determined by our W-2. Galatians 5:22-26 says, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.”

We are to act in such a way with everyone because we are no longer our own. We belong to Jesus Christ. Galatians 2: 20 says, “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” A great barometer of how well we live up to this verse is in how we treat others. Do we interact and think in love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, and self-control? Do we show grace?

Being, or not being, a person of grace is all about our attitude; our spirit. Whether we are rich or poor, we will meet people who are far from the heart of God. Whether we are also struggling because we lost our job, or in debt, or discouraged because we have not been as fortunate as others, God expects us to show those that are seeking answers that there are people who are different. People who display grace because God has been so gracious to them. This week, be a person who is known by the fruits of the spirit, and shows grace and mercy to those around her. After all, we could all benefit from the riches of having grace.

Questions:
1. What amazes you about God’s grace in Jesus?

2. How can I be a demonstration of grace in my family, in my workplace, in my church and in my community?

3. In the coming week, meditate on the importance of grace in your life. How has grace changed your life? How would you like it to change your life? Ask God to show you where to make the changes.

4. In your personal Bible study, take special notice of God’s instruction on grace.