Stewards of God’s Grace
By Andrea Chatelain
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” 1 Peter 4:10
I love receiving God’s grace, but tend to withhold it. Let’s be honest, it can be really hard to forgive those who we believe don’t deserve it. But that’s what makes it grace—it’s undeserved forgiveness.
That’s why John, one of Jesus’ disciples, started today’s verse by reminding us of what we have received. Think for a moment of the sin that Jesus freely forgave and replaced with grace in your life. As I ponder mine, I’m humbled. I’ve broken about every rule there is and don’t deserve the mercy God has afforded my bad decisions.
When we acknowledge we’ve received God’s undeserved grace, we often then become good stewards. So when every part of me wants to point out someone else’s wrongs, the Holy Spirit reminds me I’m guilty of sin, too. Remembering my need for a Savior helps me afford the same consideration for others.
In Luke 17:3-4, Jesus spoke of radical forgiveness. He said, “... ‘If your brother or sistersins against you, rebuke them; and if they repent, forgive them.Even if they sin against you seven times in a day and seven times come back to you saying ‘I repent,’ you must forgive them.’”
Are you struggling with bitterness over a past offense? Ask God to help you forgive and faithfully steward His grace in all forms. Jesus, we need Your help to do this big work of grace.
Andrea Chatelain’s mission is to meet women in their struggles and love them forward with God’s truth. She's part of the Wholly Loved Ministries team, is a Midwest mom of three, faith and family writer, and college English instructor to immigrants and refugees. It’s her joy to lead Bible studies in her neighborhood, church, and community because she believes Jesus transforms lives when His people boldly seek Him. Her writing reflects her love for Jesus and heart for fellow believers. Connect with Andrea more online at www.afruitfulwoman.com.
Visit WhollyLoved.com for more inspirational messages or to book them for your next women's event
Originally published Wednesday, 16 October 2019.
SHARE
