God’s Grace > My SinSample

Grace is Contagious

Jesus Christ is the perfect example of God’s grace. Grace is when God gives people mercy when they deserve punishment for their sinful choices. God saw, and still sees, a world full of hopelessness, sin and pain and He sent His beloved son to save us. In the Bible, we see that Jesus demonstrated undeserved kindness, love and forgiveness toward all those who followed Him. He wants to do that for you too! Aren’t you thankful that God doesn't treat you like you deserve to be treated? Who wouldn’t want to experience that? Grace is contagious!

The New Testament explains it well in the book of Titus, chapter 3, verses 3-7: “Once we, too, were foolish and disobedient. We were misled and became slaves to many lusts and pleasures. Our lives were full of evil and envy, and we hated each other.  

But, when God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit. 

He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior. Because of his grace He made us right in his sight and gave us confidence that we will inherit eternal life.”

Aren’t those encouraging words of truth?

Our salvation is not because we’ve done any good works, but rather it’s because of God’s grace, which includes undeserved love, kindness and forgiveness.

The Bible is filled with verses that stress the importance of grace. And it teaches us to treat others the way we want to be treated. 

Luke 6:31 says, “Do to others as you would like them to do to you.”

Proverbs 15:1 states that, “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” 

When you choose kindness, you help create an environment of peace. 

In John 13:34, Jesus says, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.” 

Loving others is not always easy but it’s the example that God has given us.

Let’s work to change the way we see the people we find hard to love. Let's start being kind to those who haven't done anything to deserve our kindness. It's what Jesus would do and it’s called "grace."

Try this. The next time you pull up to pay for your food at a fast food restaurant, tell the employee at the window you also want to pay for the person behind you in the car line. The driver hasn't earned your kindness, but you just might start a kindness movement as you watch one driver after another pay for the person behind them. Kindness is contagious!

Or, how about this idea...after someone in your family has treated you badly, forgive them and make their bed the following morning.  And even though they don’t deserve it, take out the trash or wash the dishes even though it’s their turn. But do it more than once. Do it often! Forgiveness is contagious!

Choose grace. Demonstrate it through kindness and forgiveness. Grace is contagious and just might change the world! And if you can't change the whole world, you will change yours! 

Think about it:

1. Romans 12:17 says, “Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone.” Think of a time where you repaid evil with evil. How did it make you feel?
2. When you choose kindness and forgiveness towards those who cause you harm, how does it benefit them? How does it also benefit you?  God’s Grace > My Sin!