by John O’Malley
Grace from God to man is amazing, inspiring, and uplifting. His grace gives us the ability to stand. His grace sustains us. His grace comforts us.
Man is challenged to give grace to others. When wronged, my flesh wants to speak as it wishes, act as it wants, and do as it pleases.
Paul used an interesting phrase in our English Bible. He mentioned to the Corinthians on two occasions that the grace of God bestowed on him was not in vain. He later mentioned that he did not want them to receive the grace of God in vain.
Grace must not just arrive in me, but it must also flow from me. What a shame if we got such grace and never displayed and distributed such grace with any other.
We receive grace like Niagara falls, and we let grace out by the thimble. Perhaps, some do not even show or give grace at all. When I read the Bible, I learn:
• Grace does not retaliate when our dignity is sacrificed.
• Grace does not retaliate when our liberty is threatened.
• Grace does not retaliate when our security is challenged.
• Grace does not retaliate when our property is at stake.
• Grace loves the haters.
• Grace blesses the cursers.
• Grace prays for the users and abusers.
• Grace means I love the hard ones and greet everyone.
• Grace means I look like Him perfectly in my actions
• Grace means I sound like my Father with my words.
• Grace means I look like my Father when I act.
• Grace means I sound like my Father I speak.
• Grace means I respond like my Father.
The following are examples of grace in the Bible. If you could ask the Bible characters below, they would each add to this list above in the circumstances they faced.
Abraham would say: When strife arises, unity is better than strife; give away your rights. Genesis 13
Grace says unity is better than strife, even if it costs me something. When I seek my own and not another, I lose.
David would say: When you can hurt your oppressor or pursuer, don’t. Honor them. 1 Sam 24
Grace respects the anointing of God on a man’s life, even when their prime is past.
Elisha would say: When you can help your enemy, do it. 2 Kings 6:8
Grace remembers how I treat my enemies is more important than what I could imagine I could do to my enemies.
Joseph would say: When God vindicates, love and forgive your enemies — Joseph when he kissed his brothers. Genesis 50
Grace responds with love. It does not grow bitter. When given a moment to retaliate, just love your enemies.
David would say: When your critics publish your failures, tell God and keep moving — David with Shimei.
Grace responds in silence. When my enemies publish bad news, leave it alone. Take time to rest and refresh. Let God avenge. Let him requite how he wants.
Stephen would say: When you are attacked in ministry, keep your eyes on Him; forgive — Stephen with the stoning. Acts 7:54-60
Showing grace means I keep my eyes on Him when assaulted.
When grace influences your life, your world changes, and you change others.
Yours for the harvest,
John O’Malley