Encouragement

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Paul always starts and ends his letters with the word "Charis” meaning - May grace be sent to you.

His whole life was changed around because of God’s grace. He never forgot that.

Are we grace filled people? If you are upset with someone, do you show grace? When you are disappointed in a person do you show grace? Do you show grace even if you don’t feel like it but God specifically tells you to do so?

First of all I would like to stress the fact that grace is not earned it is given. We cannot ask people or God to show us grace because we do this and that and the other. People show grace “in spite” of who we are.

What does it mean to be grace-filled or a grace provider? Why is it important to stay close to those who are called "grace providing" people?

We need some people who accepts us, welcome us, and love us, no matter what. Someone that rejoices when we rejoice, feels our sadness to the extent that we experience it. Someone who notices things about you, that pays attention to your heart and life, they speak truthfully to you, even tough love if necessary. Grace providers simply NEVER cease to love you, they see beneath the surface; they see the darkness as well as the goodness in your heart. But when they see the darkness they do not pull away. They are not repulsed. They move toward you. They focus on the holes in you and see God’s light shining through. They are "no matter what" people. Grace filled people never let you forget that you might be a rag doll, but you are God's rag doll.

“Love that sustains us is love based on grace" - quoted from "Love Beyond Reason" John Ortberg".

Another quote from "Love Beyond Reason".
You see, it was grace that was wrapped in swaddling rags and laid in a manger. It was grace that dwelt among us, grace that healed the sick, cured the blind, and raised the dead. It was grace that partied with ragged tax collectors, grace that was called friend of sinners, grace that would not cast the first stone. It was grace that was nailed to the cross along with our sin and guilt, grace that the tomb could not hold, grace that now sits on the right hand of the Father, grace that will one day come back for you and me.

God’s grace is always enough. Enough for us when we need it for ourselves and enough when we need to give it to others.

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