Extending Grace
Let’s talk about extending grace to another.
One critical thing I am learning is the power of being open-minded. When it comes to the things of God, you cannot be closed off, especially when it relates to being the light God has called us to be. When drawing people to Christ, you cannot be inaccessible to others (Matt. 5: 14-16). Don’t get me wrong; there are people you ensure don’t have access to you, your life, your home, etc. (God has given us the Holy Spirit and the power to discern, and above all, wisdom!- (Heb. 4:12 & 1 Thessalonians 5:21).
I am talking about those we often call “baby Christians.” Those we feel shouldn’t be in the same room with us because we think they won’t understand the depth of God as we do! I am talking about those who have ideas about who God is and how He might have worked in their lives but have yet to understand more about the fullness of God. I am also talking about how we “think” we have reached a level in our faith that we feel others shouldn’t have the grace to grow in their faith walk. I am talking about those we don’t have the “patience” to deal with (Gal. 5:22).
What happened to extending grace to those hungry and thirsty for God without knowing how to navigate the process?
I thought about where I used to be as a Christian – a place where I knew I was a Christian, born into a Christian home, but my heart was not in the right place. The type with hatred, resentment, lack of patience for others, and above all, irritation at the sight of things that don’t look like what I knew Christianity to be! Remember what Gal 5:19 said about hatred and lack of forbearance? I will let you read that up, lol!
I am talking about the type where you have morals, values, and principles, but the treatment of others is judgmental. Only to realize that “my belief in God” was not hinged on surrendering to the Holy Spirit and letting the Holy Spirit transform and renew my mind (Rom. 12:2). I realized I was so caught up with myself, so full of myself that I rated people based on how close I can perceive they were to God. What a time!
Until we get to a point where we remember where we used to be and how far we have grown in our walk with God, we would have no idea how to extend grace to others. You know one other thing I found out? I learned that you can carry Jesus on your head and shoulders; however, by extension of what flows through your attitude and treatment of others, you still need to be regenerated and have your mind renewed! The book – How to be Led by the Holy Spirit deepened my understanding that you can be born-again, tongue-speaking, and bible quoting and have no genuine love towards others. 1 Cor 13: 1-4 captures this even better!
I had to permit the Holy Spirit to reveal areas that I am lacking, which has helped me to assess myself and how I relate with others critically. I went as far as writing those areas down and prayed over them. And you know what, God came through! (just like he always does). I started seeing changes; where I would typically lack tolerance, I became tolerant and more receptive to others. I started seeing myself as a graced child of God; everyone should enjoy that grace, too!
I pray you will receive the grace and power to let God renew your mind. I pray that in areas where you think you already know all about God and what it means to be a Christian, the Holy Spirit will open your eyes so you know you still need spiritual maturity to fully understand the depth of God and who He has called you to be.
Great read: How to Walk in Love – Kenneth E. Hagin
Impactful Teaching: The Glorious Life | Dr. Cindy Trimm | The 8 Stages of Spiritual Maturation
Older post: I love God but I am not sure I mean it
