Posture Of Grace
08/21/24 • 52 min
Biblically, grace is defined as God's unmerited favor and kindness towards humanity. It is a gift that cannot be earned by good deeds or human effort but is freely given by God out of His love and mercy. Grace is foundational to the Christian faith, as it is through grace that salvation is offered to sinners.
How then are we to live by a posture of grace toward those we love, those we serve, those who are strangers, and most importantly towards ourselves? In this episode, we're going to explore the different ways grace has influenced and shaped our lives over the years. We will share the ups and downs as well as the joy and challenges that are a part of learning how to live from a posture of grace.
For further study, consider studying the following passages to help build your understanding of the characteristics that are forged by cultivating a posture of grace.
1.Humility: Recognizing our own need for grace and responding with humility in our interactions with others. This involves putting others’ needs before our own and being willing to serve without seeking recognition.
•Philippians 2:3: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.”
2.Forgiveness: Extending forgiveness freely to others, understanding that we have been forgiven much by God.
•Colossians 3:13: “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”
3.Compassion: Showing love and empathy towards others, especially those who are suffering or in need.
•Ephesians 4:32: “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
4.Generosity: Being willing to give of our time, resources, and love without expecting anything in return, reflecting the generous grace of God.
•2 Corinthians 9:8: “And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.”
5.Patience and Peacefulness: Maintaining a peaceful and patient attitude, even in difficult circumstances, and striving to live in harmony with others.
•Romans 12:18: “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
Recommended book: What's So Amazing About Grace, by: Philip Yancy
"Grace is God's best idea! His decision to ravage a people by love, to rescue passionately, and to restore fully - just what rivals? Of all His wondrous works, grace, in my estimation, is the magnum opus." - Max Lucado
If you would like to support this ABIDE podcast and the other resources provided by our ministry, please consider donating at https://gretchenstevenson.com/donate/
Thank You!
Gretchen
https://gretchenstevenson.com/
Biblically, grace is defined as God's unmerited favor and kindness towards humanity. It is a gift that cannot be earned by good deeds or human effort but is freely given by God out of His love and mercy. Grace is foundational to the Christian faith, as it is through grace that salvation is offered to sinners.
How then are we to live by a posture of grace toward those we love, those we serve, those who are strangers, and most importantly towards ourselves? In this episode, we're going to explore the different ways grace has influenced and shaped our lives over the years. We will share the ups and downs as well as the joy and challenges that are a part of learning how to live from a posture of grace.
For further study, consider studying the following passages to help build your understanding of the characteristics that are forged by cultivating a posture of grace.
1.Humility: Recognizing our own need for grace and responding with humility in our interactions with others. This involves putting others’ needs before our own and being willing to serve without seeking recognition.
•Philippians 2:3: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.”
2.Forgiveness: Extending forgiveness freely to others, understanding that we have been forgiven much by God.
•Colossians 3:13: “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”
3.Compassion: Showing love and empathy towards others, especially those who are suffering or in need.
•Ephesians 4:32: “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
4.Generosity: Being willing to give of our time, resources, and love without expecting anything in return, reflecting the generous grace of God.
•2 Corinthians 9:8: “And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.”
5.Patience and Peacefulness: Maintaining a peaceful and patient attitude, even in difficult circumstances, and striving to live in harmony with others.
•Romans 12:18: “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
Recommended book: What's So Amazing About Grace, by: Philip Yancy
"Grace is God's best idea! His decision to ravage a people by love, to rescue passionately, and to restore fully - just what rivals? Of all His wondrous works, grace, in my estimation, is the magnum opus." - Max Lucado
If you would like to support this ABIDE podcast and the other resources provided by our ministry, please consider donating at https://gretchenstevenson.com/donate/
Thank You!
Gretchen
https://gretchenstevenson.com/
Previous Episode
Devotion: Self-Control
Although self-control is listed last among the fruit of the Spirit, it is no less important than the others. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22) - collectively they represent the characteristics of a life rooted in Christ. Each one is vital to the life-shaping & sanctifying process that reflects the character of Christ in us.
In this episode, you will see how self-control is not an isolated virtue but interdependent with others. Self-control is foundational in that it supports and enhances all other aspects of a godly life. Ultimately, self-control is the anchor that keeps us steady, the boundary that guards our hearts, and the strength that helps us persevere.
If you would like to support this ABIDE podcast and the other resources provided by our ministry, please consider donating at https://gretchenstevenson.com/donate/
Thank You!
Gretchen
https://gretchenstevenson.com/
Next Episode
Meditation: God Is Personal
In this episode of the ABIDE podcast, we explore the profound truth that God is deeply personal and intimately involved in our lives. Through meditating on scripture, we’ll listen for the gentle whispers of His love, reflecting on how He speaks to our hearts and draws us closer to Him. Join us as we dive into the depths of God’s love, discovering the peace and reassurance that come from knowing we are cherished by Him in every moment.
If you would like to support this ABIDE podcast and the other resources provided by our ministry, please consider donating at https://gretchenstevenson.com/donate/
Thank You!
Gretchen
https://gretchenstevenson.com/
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