Extending Grace to Others

Colossians 2:13-14 is one of the most powerful truths of the Bible: When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the written code, with its regulations, that was against us and that stood opposed to us; he took it away, nailing it to the cross. One chapter later, we see what God wants us to do with this grace that He extended to us: Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you (Colossians 3:13).

Think about it, the most powerful being in the universe emptied himself in order to save us. As sinners, we don't deserve forgiveness but God extends it freely to us through his mercy and grace. His forgiveness restores us as his children and heirs to his eternal Kingdom. By receiving God's mercy and grace we are free to extend it to others. Grace is such a powerful encouragement that Paul wrote six different times in the New Testament, "The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all."

Extending grace to others can be one of the most challenging aspects of being God's man. If this is an area where you struggle, ask yourself these three questions: 1) Did God wait until we repented before sending Jesus to die for our sins? 2) Does holding a grudge hurt the other person? and 3) Does holding a grudge help you? After answering no to these questions, take your grievances and nail them to the cross!