Grace, Words of Endurance

May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father,
who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement
and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you
in every good deed and word.
2 THESSALONIANS 2:16 (NIV)



What a privilege to extend God’s gift of grace to one another. As our hearts have been encouraged by His grace – we have all been called to share His grace with others.



Grace is God’s love applied to our human condition. It is seen in a helping hand for the weary, in compassion for the broken, understanding for the confused, tenderness for the wounded, acceptance for the fallen and a loving embrace for the returning prodigal.



God’s grace is …


*Grace is powerful beyond our imagination. It is the most amazing act of grace in all of history. It compelled the King of Heaven to become a man and die a terrible death on behalf of the human race.



*Grace is water for the thirsty, food for the starving, a helping hand for the weak, tender compassion for the sick and shelter for the homeless. The gift of God’s grace is the single greatest gift we can offer a pain-wracked world.



*Grace is God’s love in action. The expression of God’s grace is the most precious commodity in all of creation. It Makes God’s love real to even the hardest, most wretched, wounded and hopeless heart.



*Grace isn’t shocked by the depth of human brokenness or sinfulness. It doesn’t turn away in disgust or judgment from the sinner or the soul in pain. Instead it embraces the one made in the image of God no matter how marred the image may be.



*Grace does not excuse wrongdoing. It does not excuse sin. Instead, it chooses to love the sinner.



*Grace doesn’t judge or condemn. It knows that all people are broken and in need of mending so it does not presume that one is better than the other.



*Grace places no expectations on its recipients. It is given freely – no strings attached.



*Grace embraces us right where we are. It doesn’t sit on the sidelines awaiting our arrival at an acceptable position before it is given.



*Grace takes the high road in human relationships. It chooses to reach out rather than to rather than to retaliate. It chooses to forgive, accept and embrace rather than turn away in anger, contempt or indifference.



*Grace is gentle and unassuming. It creates a safe place for the wounded and downtrodden to uncover their wounds so that they can be healed.



*Grace has no limits. We need only ask God to provide it. He never tires of our requests because He knows our need. Because we know …



For the LORD God is a sun and shield;
The LORD gives grace and glory;
No good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly.
MATTHEW 11:40 (NIV)


“The King will reply,
‘Truly I tell you,
whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine,
you did for me.’
MATTHEW 25:40 (NIV)



On the journey with you,
Jan Dravecky

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