Grace Through Jesus Christ

And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth. John testified about Him and cried out, saying, "This was He of whom I said, 'He who comes after me has a higher rank than I, for He existed before me.'" For of His fullness we have all received, and grace upon grace. For the Law was given through Moses; grace and truth were realized through Jesus Christ. John 1:14-17

Living Water - near the head of the Jordan River

Can we develop the character trait of “grace” like that of Jesus? This scripture passage tells us that “grace and truth were realized”—obtainable—through Jesus Christ. Jesus was and is full of grace and truth. Full of grace, God’s unmerited favor. Acceptance. Yes, we can show grace, like Jesus, by showing undeserved acceptance. Jesus spoke to the woman at the well—when no one else in society would speak to her—no respectful men or women. That is why she was at the well in the middle of the day. Other women had already been to the well to draw their water for the day. She could not socialize with them. Jesus spoke to her and told her who He was…the Messiah. He was the Living Water. He had not revealed that to everyone He met. He was certainly showing her undeserved acceptance—the very grace of God. Do you show such acceptance of others? How about the homeless on the street, or those begging for money? How about your own children? Do you show them that you “accept” them even if you don’t approve of their actions?

Family Activity – How do you show “acceptance” of your children…and your spouse? Do you give them hugs and kisses every day—morning and night? Do you tell them that you love them…no matter what? Does that include telling them that you love them, but don’t approve of their actions…whatever it was that they did that was not acceptable? In her book, Happier at Home, author Gretchen Rubin suggest that families “Give Warm Greetings and Farewells.” This means stopping whatever you are doing when someone enters or leaves your home and give them a hug or kiss as a warm greeting. Focusing this attention on each other for just a few moments is a great way of showing acceptance—of demonstrating God’s grace and love. Try it and see if it improves the family value of acceptance and grace in your home—and with that the level of God’s love flowing through each of you. It might just become a forever habit for your family…not just a week’s activity.

Lord God, please give us grace to accept the things we cannot change, the courage to change the things we can and the wisdom to know the difference.

Adapted from July 18, 2013…

Happy Birthday, Melissa.

We’re so glad you are a part of our family…and the Family of God! Hugs.

May God continue to bless and guide you.

© 2016 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.

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