Respond with grace
“Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord.” 2 Peter 3:18 VAB Jesus said to his disciples: “If I, the Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. I gave you an example that you should do as I did to you” (John 13:14-15 VAB). Whose feet did He wash? Peter, who denied him; Thomas, who doubted Him; Judas, who betrayed Him; and from all the others who left him. In other words, “Show the grace that has been shown to you.”
By doing so, you disapprove of the actions of the one who sins against you. Jesus did not condone your sins by forgiving you. Grace does not tell her daughter that she loves the father who abused her. She does not tell the oppressed to turn a blind eye to injustice. The person who opted for mercy still sends the thief to prison and expects the ex-spouse to pay alimony. Grace is not blind. She sees suffering very well. But grace chooses to see God’s forgiveness even more. She refuses to let injuries poison her heart.
The Bible says: “See to it that no one falls away from the grace of God, that some root of bitterness does not sprout and become a stumbling block, so that many are defiled.” (Hebrews 12:15 VAB). Where grace is lacking, bitterness abounds. Where grace dwells, forgiveness grows. Peter writes, “Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord.” Growing in knowledge of the Bible is much easier than growing in grace toward those who have hurt you.
The first requires a good memory, the second requires a Christ-like character. How do you actually “grow” in grace? Through practicing with everyone you meet, in every situation you find yourself in. Bible: 1 Chronicles 1-3, Acts 14
Retrieved with permission from: https://www.ucb.co.uk/word-for-today/17193