Ministering Grace

"Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers." Ephesians 4:29

"A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh." Luke 6:45

"O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh." Matthew 12:34

Grace. It is a word found in abundance in Scripture, yet it appears to be one of the least understood aspects of the Christian life. Much emphasis is placed on the subject of Grace in the Word, from God's Grace to the grace that we are called to live in and extend to others. It is easy to say, but it is more difficult to adopt and show. To even begin to understand grace and how we can minister it to others, we must first seek out and observe Our Heavenly Father and Christ Jesus our Saviour.

Grace is often defined within the Christian doctrines as "the free and unmerited favor or beneficence of God" and I believe rightly so. Ephesians 2:8 states "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:"

So, if we are saved by grace, then how are we saved? What makes us saved? Here is one of many good explanations from God's Holy Word: "And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God." (John 3:14-18)

The cross, Calvary, Golgotha, the beatings, the cruelty, the taunting and jeering of an innocent man, of God's one and only begotten Son, that was Grace. An innocent man who lived a sinless life died a death that He did not deserve to die, all for the cause of Grace. God left the glory of Heaven to become a lowly servant all because of Grace. WE deserved to die on the cross, for we have all sinned against God and could in no way have any hope in ourselves for our eternity. WE deserved the beatings, the jeering, the scoffing, the rejection, all of it AND MORE! But God, our mighty and sovereign God, showed us such a display of His unending, perfect Love by exhibiting Grace towards us sinners. To extend His Grace, He chose to die for us. He granted us that undeserved and free favor by giving us a gift that we will never be deserving of. Eternity in Heaven, if we confess Christ with our mouths, and believe in our hearts that He is risen! God not only showed mercy by pardoning us and not giving us what we do deserve as sinners, but He showed perfect grace in giving us a place in Heaven with Him for eternity.

So, how can we take an example from the Grace of God? Word by word.

How do we show grace to those who have hurt us?

How do we show grace to those who have wronged us?

How do we show grace to those who have stolen from us?

 How do we show grace to those who willingly speak ill of us?

Mercy pardons their wrongdoing, but grace gives them what they do not deserve in return. 

How do we show grace to those who have hurt us? By bringing healing to them.

How do we show grace to those who have wronged us? By doing good to them.

How do we show grace to those who have stolen from us? By giving them our cloak also.

How do we show grace to those who willingly speak ill of us? By praying for them and blessing them.

Even as our Lord declared form the cross:

"Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do."

So should we seek to be towards others. 

Sure, they knew what they were doing. They knew that they were killing the man who claimed to be the Messiah, yet Christ Jesus was talking of a heart issue. Their own hardness of heart and chosen ignorance had blinded them to the Truth, and they were acting out of their own hearts instead of out of the wisdom and discernment of God. 

Ministering grace ~ give people what they do not deserve. Show kindness where cruelty was given, show forgiveness where others refuse to forgive you. Give to those who have taken, and pray for those who curse you. In this, Christ and our Heavenly Father will be glorified. SPEAK the Truth, but do it with grace, for we may often stumble upon those who "know not what they do," and healing words of grace will sooth a soul much better than a sharp tongue and self-righteous enthusiasm. 

Amazing grace
How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost, but now I'm found
Was blind, but now I see
'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear
And grace my fears relieved
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed
My chains are gone
I've been set free
My God, my Savior has ransomed me
And like a flood His mercy rains
Unending love, Amazing grace

The Lord has promised good to me
His word my hope secures
He will my shield and portion be
As long as life endures

The earth shall soon dissolve like snow
The sun forbear to shine
But God, Who called me here below
Will be forever mine
Will be forever mine
You are forever mine