how do others see you?
one of the marks of someone affected by grace is that they relate to others with grace. their complete relational style is changed. when they see family, friends, neighbor, or stranger, their impulse to offer acceptance. they find an excitement and joy in making others feel welcome, accepted, and valued.
seems to the opposite of what often happens in the hearts of people.
there is so much that wars against this kind of grace: fear, insecurity, anger, competition, resentment, hatred, bigotry, comparison. these keep us closed-off, calloused, and distant from others. they rob us of any personal joy in relationships andcreates tension in relationships.
these also rob us of opportunities to show others the power of grace.
having a heart that intentionally shows interest in others, seeks their good, and welcomes them is part of what it means to be a follower of Christ. it drives the follower of Christ to not only open his heart to others, but to open his home as well. Peter, one of the leadersin the New Testament said:
open your homes to each other, without complaining. [1 Peter 4:9 ncv]
Paul, another leader said that this quality is essential for those who are men of influence among the people of God:
he must enjoy having guests in his home. [1 Timothy 3:2 nlt]
imagine the potential of a generation of Christ-followers who made it their goal to do more than:
- wave the flag of their favorite political view
- rail against those who live alternate lifestyles
- separate themselves from interaction with others
- allow their own insecurities to rule their relationships
- only practice “grace” on sundays at a building we call church
- allow anger and bitterness to dominate
instead they lead with grace, welcome, care, and understanding wherever they went. if so, we might just change the world.
