Choosing Grace When It's Hard

Responding with love instead of frustration, even when people don't deserve it.

"Be Kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." Ephesians 4:32

Grace is easy to talk about......until it's time to actually live it.

Grace comes easy when things in life are going as planned, people are friendly and life feels light. What about when someone cuts you off in traffic making you slam on your breaks with the kids in the back? When someone disrespects you, you feel overlooked at your job, or you are behind on everything at home and frustrated you have not kept up?

Choosing to be kind and having Grace in these moments feels almost impossible.

Our first thing to come to mind is react, match the energy, say what we feel. To hold that grudge because they are not worthy of forgiveness. And honestly, sometimes it feels justified.

Grace was never meant to be easy.

It was meant to be chosen.

Choosing grace doesn't mean you pretend something didn't hurt

It doesn't mean allowing people to walk all over you

It is you deciding that your response needs to reflect how God would want you to... even if it is easier not to.

Take a breath

Pause before reacting

Offer forgiveness, even when undeserved

Just like the grace we have been given

We all fall short of God's grace, but we all need grace. The same grace that God extends to us daily is the same grace He calls us to give others.

Not because they deserve it or earned it

But because we didn't either

The next time you feel that pull to react, try to take a breath.

Pause and ask him to be with you at that moment.

Ask yourself: What would grace look like in this moment?

It may never be easy.

It will always be worth it though.

Grace doesn't just change the moment.

It changes you.

Prayer

God, help me choose grace when it is hard. When I feel defeated, hurt, frustrated, or ready to react in ways I shouldn't. Remind me to pause and talk to you. Teach me to respond with patience, kindness, and love. Give me the strength to extend the same grace You give me every day. Shape my heart to reflect You in every moment.

In your name I pray, Amen.