Galatians 6:1-2 Brethren,
even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a
one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you too
will not be tempted. Bear one another's burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of
Christ.…
Matthew 18:15 "If
your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two
of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over.
1 Corinthians 4:21
What do you prefer? Shall I come to you with a rod of discipline, or
shall I come in love and with a gentle spirit?
1 Thessalonians 4:1
As for other matters, brothers and sisters, we instructed you how to
live in order to please God, as in fact you are living. Now we ask you and urge
you in the Lord Jesus to do this more and more.
It's time for grace to be enjoyed and freely given, not denied
or debated. —Chuck Swindoll
Today, this very second—there are millions of people, maybe
even you reading this message, are living lives in shame, fear, and intimidation; you should be free, productive individuals.
The tragedy is that people have come to believe that they are meant to live their
lives under duress. Some people have never known that the truth can offer a
liberation that is in conflict with their understanding. They are victimized, living on a personal and mental death row
instead of enjoying the abundant life Christ. It’s sad that most of us don't
have a clue as to what we are missing because we have never taken the time to
fully embrace God.
It all adds up to grace. Good, bad, otherwise, the package
in its entirety is grace, graciousness and grace filled. Our grace is being is under a constant violent barrage. People
and theologians alike have gotten comfortable in debating grace; using it as a
vague term or principle to garner favor with a crowd rather than acknowledging
it as a provision from God. Grace is a gift that is meant to be received, embraced
and lived out in its richness, fullness and boldness to show God acting at His
best on our behalf. Grace is not meant to be dissected and analyzed; God loves
us all equally grace is NOT a bargaining chip for favor and no one group has a
patent on it!
Receiving grace and not extending it in return is a dead
gesture. To spend time debating how
grace is received or how it is a necessity for salvation, without ever understanding
what it means to live by grace and learning to live in and enjoy the freedoms
it brings leads to unnecessary quarrel and divisiveness in the kingdom.
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