We did not work for it, but He gave it to us. We did not merit it, but He invites us to accept it for free.
And when we choose to accept it, we're empowered to be who He wants us to be. His power is present in us.
And when we choose to accept it, we're empowered to be who He wants us to be. His power is present in us.
As we take our spiritual walk, we experience two kinds of grace:
vertical grace
This is the grace given by God to man. He gave us this grace when we allowed Him to be the Lord and Savior of our lives.
horizontal grace
This is the grace given by a man to another. We can give grace to the people around us because of the grace He gives us.
I happen to read an article about horizontal grace, and the questions presented gave a thought in mind:
* Why is it easy for us to pay back evil for evil?
* Why is it hard for us to let others be themselves?
* Why do we have a tendency to compare ourselves with others?
* Why do we feel uneasy with differences?
* Why do we tend to manipulate and intimidate each other?
One thing I can say: It's because of our fallen nature. We are so preoccupied with making ourselves great. We end up losing friendships and relationships. With that, I am reminded that God never intended everyone to be alike. He wants each of us to be unique.
I learned of two things to give that kind of grace:
1. Accept them unconditionally.
Sometimes, we accept him if he is this, or if he does that. But who are we to judge? We should allow them to be who they are. They're valuable just as they are.
2. Let the Lord freely direct their lives.
We give them space to make up their own minds. We don’t need to step in and tell them what to do. Let God be the one to work in them.
Knowing these things, I should value every person with grace. And one thing to end: “Grace is free, His love is priceless, but sin is costly.“ So let us be an example of His love and grace.
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