When Jesus gave us mercy and grace He gave us an over the top example of how to do something with class and style. He didn’t have to do it this way… but he did. Time and again he showed us turn the other cheek…
I don’t know about you but the class and style of mercy and grace doesn’t always come naturally easy to me. There comes a time and place when it’s important to say enough is enough when faced with adversity. There’s usually also a time to handle matters with class and style. The when? That’s often the challenge… effectively handling the situation to bring closure, and doing so in a way that models Jesus as the example. Jesus’ way is going to be better than my way every day. (Click To Tweet)
We can’t earn God’s grace, and we certainly don’t deserve it. God giving us grace doesn’t mean we didn’t do something wrong. We should strive to offer grace to others in the same way that God gave it to us… that should be all the motivation we need.
In Matthew Chapter 11, Jesus proclaimed this is what we should hear and see… the blind received sight, the lame walked, those with leprosy were cleansed, the deaf heard, he raised the dead and the good news was proclaimed to the poor.
Remember, Jesus said… “wisdom is proved right by her deeds.” Matthew 11:19
The when of class and style… and doing it with dignity, honor and respect…
Living fully between the dash… today and everyday.
Does it really matter in the end? Here’s what the Bible says…
You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge another, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things. Now we know that God’s judgment against those who do such things is based on truth. So when you, a mere human being, pass judgment on them and yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God’s judgment? Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?
But because of your stubbornness and your unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of God’s wrath, when his righteous judgment will be revealed. God will repay each person according to what they have done. To those who by persistence in doing seek glory, honor and immorality, he will give eternal life. But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger. There will be trouble and distress for every human being who does evil: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile, but glory, honor and peace for everyone who does good: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. For God does not show favoritism. Romans 2:1-11
The when of class and style is simply taking the higher road to a better place, and that’s always comforting to know deep within our soul. It’s all about living right between the dashes.
The when of class and style?
Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Matthew 6:33-34
Doing our best to be matchy matchy with it, one today at a time!
Character is higher than intellect. A great soul will be strong to live as well as think. Ralph Waldo Emerson (Click To Tweet)
Happy Monday 🙂
I need God’s grace everyday! I know I need it. I’m not strong enough on my own and I mess up all the time. I lack much style and grace so depend upon HIS.
I’m thankful every day is an opportunity to learn more about Jesus. Thanks for sharing today TC!