Extending Grace

God has an ulterior motive in extending grace to us. We receive grace so that we can be graceful to others. God’s word is full of admonitions about “Paying It Forward”.

We are blessed to be a blessing. We are forgiven to be forgiving.  We are loved to be loving toward others. We receive grace to be graceful.

God wants us to give grace to others. One author said that giving grace to another person is simply to forgive them, unconditionally, just as God forgave us through Christ. “Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you” (Colossians 3:13, NIV). A life of forgiveness shows itself in many ways.

On her website (www.dawnkling.com), Christian author Dawn Kling offers nine ways to extend grace to others. Dawn states that the three primary strands that are woven throughout her writing are Jesus, trust, and grace. Her recent book, “Look to Jesus: How to Let Go of Worry and Trust God” is a good read.

Showing grace to others is about showing kindness even when they don’t deserve it. God has shown such
grace to us. We, in turn, are asked to show grace to each other.

Here are her nine ways to extend grace to others.
1. Words – Be kind and gentle in what you say and how you say it. “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a
harsh word stirs up anger.” -Proverbs 15:1
2. Look for Needs and Opportunities – Simple everyday kindnesses and actions often help in great ways.
“Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor.” -Romans 12:10
3. Let it Go – Respond to others with grace. Sometimes people are going to be rude. Instead of responding
harshly, keep a calm spirit. “A fool shows his annoyance at once, but a prudent man overlooks an insult.”-
Proverbs 20:3
4. Be There – Sometimes your presence is all that’s needed to show someone they’re loved. Be happy with
the person who’s happy. Be sad with the person who’s sad. “Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with
those who weep.” -Romans 12:15
5. Forgive – When someone asks you to forgive, do so graciously and without correction. “For if you forgive
others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” -Matthew 6:14-15
6. Learn to Ask for Forgiveness – Be quick to apologize when you make a mistake or have wronged someone
else. “Therefore if you are presenting your offering at the altar, and there remember that your brother has
something against you, leave your offering there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother,
and then come and present your offering.” -Mathew 5:23-24
7. Watch the Way You Speak – Be careful how you express yourself. “Let no unwholesome word proceed
from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so
that it will give grace to those who hear.” -Ephesians 4:29
8. Gratitude – Say “thank you” often and let people know how much you appreciate them. “In everything
give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” -1 Thessalonians 5:18
9. Take an Interest in Others – Learn about other people, ask them questions, listen and care. “Do nothing
from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.” -Philippians 2:3

We are called to be People of Grace. Our challenge is to be graceful to others.

Pastor Steve