Scripture
"The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.” (Psalm 103:8)
Worship
"No One But You" by Hillsong Worship
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rOPqG6FkV1c
Devotional
It seems like everyday I discover new ways in which I am weak and in need. That has become even more obvious in this season of COVID-19, where so much seems to be beyond my control. As we face new circumstances, new daily rhythms, new family and work dynamics, we need an influx of generous grace towards one another in the midst of dramatic life changes.
We live in a world that loves to receive grace. We desire to be understood, forgiven, and accepted in spite of our shortcomings and missteps. But even as we ask for consistent grace FROM others, in many cases we are often less generous when it comes to giving grace TO others. And this reality has become more prevalent than ever to me in these times of crisis and fear.
“Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:31-32)
I’ve watched over the past couple of weeks as many have looked to use this season as an opportunity to justify their perspective on politics, their criticisms of their neighbors, and their frustration with Facebook friends. But what if we instead searched with the same intensity for the opportunity to lavish love and grace on those around us, even that we don’t agree with. The list of failures for each of us is long and ever-increasing, yet God’s grace outpaces us at every turn. God’s goodness should fuel a culture of grace-filled hearts and lives wherever followers of Jesus reside, both in the physical and the digital world.
My hope for us today is that we would take a moment to reflect on the lavish grace that God has given to each of us. Let us remember how he has loved us at our worst, and yet leads us towards our best, for his glory and our good. Let this reflection on his grace toward us inspire us to be generous in our love with those around us.
Guided Prayer
- Invite the Spirit of God to meet with you right now. Meditate on Scripture and allow it to fill your heart with thanksgiving at how compassionate your heavenly Father is.
“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)
“So that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” (Titus 3:7)
- Reflect on the grace God has given you in this season. Take a moment to remember where you’ve fallen short. Think about the love God has toward you regardless of your performance.
“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)
- Ask your heavenly Father to fill you with his heart for others. Ask him who you can offer his grace to today. Ask him how you can reveal his love and compassionate heart to the lost around you, even in the midst of social distancing.
Go
As a practice today, think of giving grace as an act of generosity. How can you be generous with those in your home, as well as those you interact with remotely? How can you go above and beyond what’s expected?
Be generous in your assumptions
Be generous with your patience
Be generous with your words
Be generous with finances
Be generous with your time
Resources
For more resources like this from First15, check out this free download, Peace: Finding Rest in a Stressed-Out World.
*This content has been adapted from a First15 Devotional Series by Craig Denison / First15 (View Website)
