Thursday, September 13, 2007

Gracious??

So, it's been a tough couple of days for me and I was searching online for some inspiration or encouragement when I came upon an article that included this passage.
1 Peter 2:19-25:19 For it is commendable if a man bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because he is conscious of God. But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. "He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth." When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed. For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.
Wow! That really touched on the struggle of my past few days. Have I been gracious? Have I extended high grace as Jesus would? I know this really pertains to exactly the situation I am dealing with personally, but it also speaks to dealing with people in general. I can be so quick to lash out or judge or get angry, but Jesus' examples in this passage remind us how to be gracious like He was, how to love unconditionally like He did, even to those who are undeserving! What an awesome lesson!


2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Jennifer,
I thought about something similar this weekend. God's mercy and grace is new every day and we should remember that when we have trouble extending that same favor to others. Recently I was so appalled at the bad choices a family member made (that directly affected me) but they apologized. And I had a hard time extending grace and forgiveness to them. That was a great scripture to remind me to get my act together!

Nicole Collins said...

Thanks so much for this post. It's amazing how God brought me to your post just now to read this scripture and your thoughts on it. And how it was exactly what I needed to read at this particular moment!