In Grace
Why can we accept the grace that our Father gives to us but yet, is unable or have difficulty to offer that same grace to another?
The grace our Father has given and continues to give is undeserved. Nothing we have done on our own merit has earned it but, yet He lovingly extends grace to us.
There are times in our lives when we have been wronged or have wronged others whether intentional or unintentional. It was done all the same. We need to turn from the flesh that asks for retribution, condemnation, or judgment and give grace in its place.
To willingly give grace with the understanding that you may never hear that person(s) admission of guilt or for them to apologize and say "I’m sorry I hurt you" or "I was wrong".
To go against everything your flesh is calling you to do and turn instead, to love and offer grace because that is one of the many precious gifts our Father gives us everyday.
Grace is still there when we have regressed, fallen, and turned away from Him. We call out to our Father and He has grace waiting for us and we don’t deserve it. Please understand that this in no way, shape, or form an easy thing to do however, with our Father’s strength all things are possible (Philippians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me..."). We must continue to have faith and know that He is working within us and that we are "a work in progress'".
In the midst of Christmas approaching let’s show that "God is love" and give grace to the ones that have hurt us. Just as the scripture says in 1 John 4:16: "And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them."
Let’s do this without looking for any acknowledgement or response from them. Lift them up in prayer and lay the heartache and pain at our Father’s feet and let it go and leave it there. This will allow our Father’s love to fill that void of hurt and heal you. 1 John 4:12-13: "No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and His love is made complete in us. This is how we know that we live in Him and He in us: He has given us of His Spirit..." He has told us to love one another as you love Him so, let’s follow Him…truly follow Him and take that step "in grace".
May everyone have a safe and blessed Christmas and may the light of our Father be seen through us; "His vessels" to let the world know our Father is very real.
God bless!
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Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Tami on -
I had a fantastic opportunity to put this into place, and hard is definitely the right word for the actions! My ex-husband called, after 7 years of silence, 11 years of separation. He called to tell me that he is in the hospital and wanted me back. Well, I will admit that at first, I got mad and let him have it. I called back and spoke of the pain and trials that I am still going thru do to the actions that we had both taken while together and after I left. Then I called back a 3rd time, and told him that I forgive him (he had asked if I could), but that I wasn't coming back, nor could I be his friend. I would not be who I am without having gone thru what I did, but will not willingly open myself back up to the damage that he could do. Now, I am working on letting go of the anger that got me thru the last 11 years. I am tired of being mad, and want to learn to trust again.
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Permalink Reply by Desiree on -
Tami, what a wonderful testimony you have shared! It shows how much God has worked in your life and that we are "a work in progress". The fact that you have forgiven your ex and openly let him know your feelings allowed you to release him as well as yourself and those emotions that tend to bind us to our past. Through this God is able to continue healing us as we continue on our path and grow closer to Him.
Thanks again for sharing!
Tami said:I had a fantastic opportunity to put this into place, and hard is definitely the right word for the actions! My ex-husband called, after 7 years of silence, 11 years of separation. He called to tell me that he is in the hospital and wanted me back. Well, I will admit that at first, I got mad and let him have it. I called back and spoke of the pain and trials that I am still going thru do to the actions that we had both taken while together and after I left. Then I called back a 3rd time, and told him that I forgive him (he had asked if I could), but that I wasn't coming back, nor could I be his friend. I would not be who I am without having gone thru what I did, but will not willingly open myself back up to the damage that he could do. Now, I am working on letting go of the anger that got me thru the last 11 years. I am tired of being mad, and want to learn to trust again. -
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Permalink Reply by Tami on
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I am still working on this, but it is getting easier to accept that forgiveness for him is just giving me more freedom! The anger is going, some realization of self is stepping in and I am feeling stronger for it. This discussion is wonderful and was so needed, thank you!
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Permalink Reply by Rosemarie Vest on -
Tami,
Having experienced the freeing power of forgiveness, I know I would never choose to relive the hurt of a previous employer but now can talk to her and accept her. It took letting go and the power of being on my knees to reach this point.
Amazing grace! I've been set free!!! Once the clouds and smog of anger diminished, I could see and feel the warmth of grace.
Will continue to keep you in prayer and give thanks for the blessing and encouragement you are in my life.
Rose
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