Living a Life of Grace - Response to @feathers1984

How does a believer live a life of grace when a church itself doesn't even talk or pride itself in grace?

Thanks @feathers1984 for the question!

I believe it is important that we live a life of grace. When someone cuts us off when driving, we show grace. When someone gossips about us behind our back, the next time we see them, we show grace. Surely a believer in Jesus, can and should show grace whether or not their particular church shows it? In fact, if you are showing grace and living a life of love and compassion to others, then part of YOUR church at least is living in grace? Right?

The difficulty arises when you are yearning to be obedient to Christ, and live a life worthy of the calling he has given you, yet others around you, including Church leadership may not be exhibiting that grace. Jesus definitely encountered that, when the Pharisees were whingeing about this 'Jesus of Nazareth' not following every single part of the Law of Moses - including healing on the Sabbath and eating with his disciples. How did Jesus handle it? Well, he showed a better way. He lived a better way, and his life was the personification of grace. What an example!

Maybe the most fitting words, come from the Apostle Paul. The words are simply these: 'Be strong in the grace.'
--> When someone whinges - be strong in the grace
--> When someone backstabs - be strong in the grace
--> When someone is hypocritical - be strong in the grace
--> When someone wrongly accuses you - turn the other cheek - and be strong in the grace.

Here's a prayer from Colossians 1:3-6 -- We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all the saints— the faith and love that spring from the hope that is stored up for you in heaven and that you have already heard about in the word of truth, the gospel that has come to you. All over the world this gospel is bearing fruit and growing, just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and understood God's grace in all its truth.

Lord help us! Hope this helps,

God bless,

Pete.


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