Running with Grace

Scripture to Ponder:

1 Corinthians 12:12-31

Ephesians 2:4-10

2 Timothy 4:7

Some of us sisters have a competitive spirit. We may not admit it openly, but put us against each other for a fun-filled game or sport and it quickly becomes evident who possesses that fierce instinct. It can also shine a light on those of us who win and lose with grace or the lack thereof. We like to win. We strive to be victorious. It's not in our nature to cheer for the competition or to be exuberant when our competitor takes the lead. We lose and search for the injustice we can lay blame to or the person that cost us a victory. Shew, our nature sure is unpleasant at times!

Our society thrives on competition and winning at all cost. Getting ahead no matter who you step on to get there has become the norm. It's a harsh society that claims ‘all is fair in love and war’. Simply put - as long as you get to your end goal, it doesn't matter how you get there. You can double check, but I can't find that principle anywhere in scripture. Thank goodness! If that were the case, we would extend very little effort in helping others experience Christ.

Sisters, our walk is not a competition. Our lives are not a competition. Our relationships are not a competition. You see, the devil wants to come between us and cause division. He wants us to be judgemental and jealous of one another, but that comes at a great cost to us. Remove those things and what do you have? I imagine a long table filled with women. A seat for each, where she is welcomed on all sides. She feels wanted and included. She is greeted with smiles and encouraging words. She is prayed over and lifted to her Father by her sisters. She leaves the table feeling a weight lifted and a boldness to endure in her faith, knowing her seat is always waiting for her return. If that doesn't make your heart swell and your eyes water, I'm not sure what would! Sisters, that's grace. We should start, endure, and end with grace.

I, so undeserving of grace, am filled with gratitude when I think of the grace Christ extended to me. Yet, our nature is not to extend grace to others. How sad that we being extended such grace are not often freely giving of such grace. May we as sisters lead and love with grace. When we want to lead with harsh words, judgement, and frustration, may we pause and remember the grace we have been given and start there. This race is not one where we strive to be first. It is an endurance race where the goal is completion. Where we put our arms around our struggling sisters and help them to the finish line. Where we cheer on one another in our walk towards Christ and help shoulder one another's burdens until completion. This is grace, sisters. His grace sustains us. We each need grace and because of that may we each extend grace.

The course is set before us. The goal in sight. Will we run with grace?

Questions to Consider:

1) Do the women in my life feel like they set at the table described when they're in my presence?

2) Do I lead with grace? (Even with those who may be difficult to get along with?)

3) Do I remind myself of the grace given to me so that I more freely give grace?