Learning to love and forgive even when you don't feel like it is a hard thing to do.
I never thought in a million years that I would be the one giving grace to those around me. When I think of the word grace, I am automatically brought back to the Bible and reminded of how God shows us grace everyday. But the more I think about it, the more I realize that if we are to be like Christ, then we are to show grace as well. And even if religion isn't your thing, that's okay too, we all could use and give a little grace.
But as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all earnestness, and in our love for you—see that you excel in this act of grace also. 2 Corinthians 8:7
Two years ago my daughter died. Two years ago I had to give myself grace in knowing and realizing that it wasn't my fault. Two years ago I had to learn to forgive everyone who I believed played a part in her death. Two years ago I prayed to a God that I wasn't even sure that I believed in to take me away from here, but He never did. Two years ago, I learned grace.
Showing Grace To Others
Sometimes I am in shock at some of the things I have been told about losing Adelyn. From being told that she had to die because I needed a son or being told that I need to move on because I have living children who need me, people's word never ceased to amaze me. I have always in some ways expected the worst from people because the worst is what many have shown me. But here is the beautiful thing about grace. I had to get myself to a place where I remembered how many times God has forgiven me for things that I did knowingly and unknowingly. He never gave up on me. And so when it comes to child loss and how others handle it, I have learned to give them grace. I give them grace in knowing that maybe they just don't get it, and how can I expect them too if they have never gone through it. I have learned to give them grace in that maybe they just don't care to get it, and that's okay too. I have learned to give them grace in that sometimes they may be trying to be helpful not knowing that what they have said or done is more hurtful than helpful. I give them grace.
So today I challenge each of you to examine a situation in your life with someone that you know, whether it be a spouse, a parent, a boss, or a friend. Examine the ways that they have hurt you intentionally and unintentionally and think of ways that you can show them grace. Showing grace doesn't mean that you have to accept the disrespect. You can still acknowledge the hurt and educate while still showing grace. Think of ways that you can learn to forgive them and walk in that forgiveness. I challenge you to show them grace not for them, but for you. I have my person in mind, do you?