About a month ago I heard someone talking about our frustrations with others. He told stories about frustrating situations, asking those listening if they could relate. Of course we could! It's not hard to recognize that there are some pretty universal frustrations and challenges. But as I'm getting wrapped up in agreeing with the speaker, he reveals God's truth about frustrations. See, when we mess up, when we do frustrating things in God's eyes, he sees us through "eyes of grace." So I wanted to see what grace really meant. Here's what I found:
"a manifestation of favor, pardon, mercy, goodwill, a favor rendered by one who need not do so, indulgence, a temporary immunity or exemption, a reprieve, the free and unmerited favour of God, as manifested in the salvation of sinners and the bestowal of blessings."
The key part I recognize as relating to my life in particular in "unmerited." In other words, God's grace towards me in unmerited, undeserved. This is what the Bible has to say about how we should respond to God's grace towards us:
1 John 2:6 ESV
Whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked.
1 Corinthians 11:1 ESV
Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.
John 14:15 ESV
“If you love me, you will keep my commandments.
John 13:13-17 ESV
You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.
1 Peter 2:21 ESV
For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps.
Ephesians 5:1-2 ESV
Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
Ephesians 4:22-24 ESV
To put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.
Luke 6:46 ESV
“Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you?
You can read more about what the Bible says about grace here:
http://www.openbible.info/topics/grace
As I continue to learn more about my Creator, I am beginning to see how perfect His design is. He doesn't expect us to figure everything out on our own, He has set an example for us to follow. The closer we walk with Him, the easier it is to "be imitators of Christ" and see others with "eyes of grace." Ever since hearing this truth God has kept in on my heart. I must see others with eyes of grace as God sees me. I must see them with grace when I disagree with them in my heart of hearts. I must see them with grace when they mock me and challenge my faith, family, lifestyle, choices. I must see them with eyes of grace when they insult me, disregard me, and harass me. I must see them with eyes of grace when they HATE me. Why? Not to be a good person, for I have already failed at that a million times over, but because God sees me with eyes of grace no matter how badly I insult him, offend him, hurt him through my words and actions. His grace by definition is unconditional. It's time we saw each other through love using eyes of grace. We're here to help and support each other every step of the way, not tear each other down for our differences and mistakes. If grace is something you need, then it is also something you should give.
I'm so thankful we serve a gracious Heavenly Father---will you be an imitator?
