Grace

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Everywhere I turn the last several weeks, I'm running into grace. Grace from Brian and the kids as I mess up. Grace from my God who forgives me over and over again.

Also, reminders of how often I fail at giving grace to others. And since God keeps putting it right in front of me, I know I need to take seriously the practice of showing grace. God loved me long before I loved Him back, and He continues to love me even though I make mistakes each and every day. I have been challenged over and over these past 2 weeks to show my children that same kind of grace and acceptance, and I am sorry to say that I am falling short.

But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works; otherwise grace would no longer be grace.
Romans 11:5-6

Catch that? If being loved and accepted by God were based on works, it would no longer be grace. By definition, grace is the free and unmerited favor of God.And this is the kind of grace and love I want to show my kids. It couldn't be more simple (or more difficult to put into practice if I'm honest).

A few more grace references crossing my path this week:

 "there is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." 
Romans 8:1

Quotes this from Ted Cunningham and Yancey Arrington from their talks at the D6 Conference:
"We don't obey God to be accepted; we are already accepted."
"Condemnation never motivated anyone."


I also just bought Jessica's newest book, Everyday Grace.

Jen Hatmaker's talks at the Simplify workshop at Victory Church

DSC_4836




Comments

Joy said…
Love this. Something I struggle with myself. Always feeling inadequate - needed this reminder.
1:27 PM
MyEbella aka Kim said…
I think we a struggle with it!
great reninders!
11:39 PM
MyEbella aka Kim said…
I think we a struggle with it!
great reninders!
11:39 PM
Christine @ 12,450miles said…
Such a great reminder. I find that there are days where I lose my sense of grace with those who most deserve it. I need to stop and take a breath more often. Thank you for this.
10:03 AM
Vicky said…
I find when I'm not present in the moments, when I go to just reacting, somewhat blindly, to the squabbling or fighting, or what have you, around me, I so easily fail at grace too. Why can't that just remind me to practice grace instead? I think, so many of us, are right there with you.
1:21 PM
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