People of Grace

Let me start with a confession: grace doesn’t always flow naturally from me. My first typing of that sentence read “grace doesn’t always come naturally to me”, but that’s not true. Grace does come naturally to me. Always. “But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9. Grace is one of the most beautiful gifts we have been given from God and one of the most difficult for us to give to others. Why is that?

I can be quick to judge. I can be quick to speak. I am quick to defend myself. I often expect grace from others when I mess up — but when the roles are reversed, my first instinct isn’t always compassion. Sometimes it’s frustration. Other times it’s coldness masked as “boundaries” (which CAN be healthy — maybe that will be a blog later!).

But God — rich in mercy — has been patiently teaching me that grace isn’t just something I receive. It’s something I (and you) are called to give again, and again, and again, and again (and again).

We talk and hear a lot about grace in our Christian circles and gatherings. We sing about grace in worship songs. We post scriptures about grace on Instagram and Facebook stories. But the real test of grace is in the daily, unseen moments: how we respond when we’re tired. How we respond when we’re annoyed. How we respond when we’re misunderstood. How we respond when we’re hurt. That’s when the true depth of our understanding of grace shows up.

In recent months, I have learned that I am slow to dispense grace. I have slowly moved myself into the position of God in that thinking I am the judge of who is deserving of grace. Most times in life, whenever I try to compete with the sovereignty of God, He gives me situations that teach me immeasurable lessons. This one being the importance of being a person of grace. It is hard to be a person of grace when I am consistently hurt, annoyed, misunderstood, and tired.

Anyway, let’s dive into what grace is. Grace, to me, is undeserved kindness. It’s mercy in place of judgement. It’s forgiveness when someone doesn’t say “I’m sorry”. It’s patience with those who aren’t “getting it”. And it’s all rooted in ONE truth — we love because He first loved us .(1 John 4:19).

Grace isn’t passive; it’s powerful!

Being a person of grace doesn’t mean being a pushover. It doesn’t mean we ignore sin or let people walk all over us. In fact, oftentimes it’s the strongest choice we can make — to show grace. Grace is not weakness. It is not giving up. It takes strength to hold your tongue. It takes maturity to overlook an offense. It takes security in your identity in Christ to forgive someone who hasn’t acknowledged the pain they caused (or are still causing). Ouch to that last one! Grace is not natural from you, grace is natural to you. Having grace flow from you is why we need the Holy Spirit.

Being a person of grace in your life may look like one of the following: pausing to take a breath and choosing to de-escalate when your spouse says something hurtful in a moment of stress. Saying “I still love you” when a friend disappoints you for the third time in a row. Remembering your child is still learning how to regulate their emotions when they throw a tantrum in Target. Stepping away from bitterness into integrity when a coworker gossips or takes the credit for your work.

It is easy to love people who are kind, considerate, and thoughtful. But Jesus said “If you love those who love you, what reward will you receive?” Matthew 5:46. After all, Jesus loves you! Jesus loves you when you are mean. Jesus loves you when you spew hate towards your spouse, kids, or coworkers. Jesus loves you when you only think of yourself and neglect how your behavior affects those around you. Jesus loves you when you choose to not love Him. True grace shows up when we have every reason not to give it - but do anyway.

Before we can be People of Grace, we have to ask ourselves: have I really ever received God’s grace? Because here’s the catch, we can’t give it If we haven’t been given it.

When I am hard on myself, I tend to be hard on others. When I walk around with guilt or shame, I unknowingly put high expectations on those around me. But when I sit with the reality of how deeply I am loved by Jesus — flaws and all — it softens my heart. It makes me more compassionate. More patient. More forgiving. Grace isn’t just a gift to be accepted. It’s a posture to live from.

So, let’s be different. In a world that is quick to cancel, quick to call off, and quick to criticize — we are called to be people who do the opposite.

We are People of the Cross!

We are People of the Empty Tomb!

We are People of Grace!

Not perfect. Not above correction. But transformed by mercy and ready to extend it to others.

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” Colossians 3:12-13.

That’s what we are aiming for. That’s what grace looks like, lived out. Today I challenge you - as I challenge myself - ask God to make you a person of grace. Ask Him to soften your words, slow your reactions, and stretch your heart. Not just for your own peace, but so others can see Jesus through you.

Because when we walk in grace, we’re not simply reflecting who we are. We are reflection who He is.

Let’s be People of Grace today (and every day)!

With love,

Annah.