Responding With Grace

It’s not what happens to us, but how we respond to what happens to us that really make a difference in our lives. Most of us encounter situations that afford great opportunities for offense, revenge, lashing out, and other expressions of anger and hurt. It happens as a husband, wife, father, mother or supervisor. It even happens simply driving down the road on a busy day. If I’m going to pursue God’s best in my life, It’s important that I learn how to respond in these situations.

Genesis 3:22-23 (ESV)
²²  Then the LORD God said, “Behold, the man has become like one of us in knowing good and evil. Now, lest he reach out his hand and take also of the tree of life and eat, and live forever—”
²³  therefore the LORD God sent him out from the garden of Eden to work the ground from which he was taken.

God responded to Adam and Eve’s sin with grace. He immediately made room for repentance so that they would not be forever lost in their sin. He responded with grace so that his relationship with them could one day be restored.

How do I respond when someone sins against me? Is it with grace so that they might grow and learn or is it with condemnation? Do I respond to others as if I am a sinner myself saved by the grace of God who continues to grow through my mistakes? Do I immediately leave room for repentance and restoration or am I quick to judge and condemn others?

Father, forgive me for the times when I was quick to judge others in my own self-righteous attitude. Help me to respond to sin with grace and create opportunities for others to experience the love and forgiveness that you have shown me. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen!

Keep REACHING FORWARD for God’s best in your life! Have a great 2016!