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Understanding Grace: A Fundamental Concept in Christianity Part 7: Conclusion with Quotes & Scriptures about Grace, & Overall Takeaways

Over the past 7 weeks, we’ve undergone a pilgrimage of discovery and uncovered numerous shades and hues of grace that illuminate our walk of faith. In that time, we’ve discussed Key Characteristics of Grace, established The Biblical Basis of Grace, examined  Misconceptions about Grace, toured what it means to Live a Grace-Filled Life, considered Tips for Extending Grace to Others and Self, and canvassed the Different Forms of Grace. Today, we conclude our excursion by sharing beautiful quotes and Bible verses that serve to remind us about how wonderful grace truly is. 

Quotes

"Grace is the love that cares and stoops and rescues." - John Stott
"Grace is a gift of the humble to the humiliated." - Brennan Manning
"Grace is the gift that keeps on giving." - John Ortberg

"Grace is like a good story. The characters are flawed but the plot is beautiful." - Unknown
"Grace is not opposed to effort, it is opposed to earning." - Dallas Willard
"Grace is the pleasure of God to magnify the worth of God by giving sinners the right to be called sons of God." - John Piper

"Grace is the inexplicable, the unexpected, the undeserved." - John MacArthur
"Grace is that fleeting moment of solace when we embrace our flaws and accept who we are." - Unknown
"Grace is the virtue that elevates and perfects human nature." - Saint Thomas Aquinas
"Grace is the most beautiful word in the language of God." - Unknown

"Grace is not a part of God's character, it is His character." - Jerry Bridges
"Grace is not about what you have done, it is about what Jesus has done for you." - Unknown
"Grace is the hospitality that God offers us even when we have turned away." - Brian Zahnd
"Grace is when God gives us what we don't deserve. Mercy is when God doesn't give us what we do deserve." - Unknown

"Grace is the only thing that can save us and the only thing that can transform us." - Max Lucado
"Grace makes beauty out of ugly things." - U2
"Grace is the power to do God's will with a smile." - R.C. Sproul

"Grace has been defined as the outward expression of the inward harmony of the soul." - William Hazlitt
"Grace is not part of consciousness; it is the amount of light in our souls, not knowledge nor reason." - Pope Francis
"Grace is the absence of everything that indicates pain or difficulty, hesitation or incongruity." - William Hazlitt

"Grace is the garment of salvation." - John Chrysostom
"Grace is the antidote to everything." — Anne Lamott
"Grace is the purest of all attributes of God." - Charles Haddon Spurgeon

"Grace is finding a waterfall when you were only looking for a stream." - Vanessa Hunt
"Grace is the ability to let something go and let someone grow." - Mandy Hale
"Grace is the ability to go from one situation to another with calm, composure, and a smile on your face." - Joyce Meyer

"Grace is God's love in action." - John Ortberg
"Grace is the invisible hand of God that guides us along life's path." - John C. Maxwell
"Grace is the divine energy that lights our path and guides us home." - Joseph Prince
"Grace is not the absence of suffering but the presence of God." - Timothy Keller

"Grace is the love that gives without any expectation of receiving." - Joyce Meyer
"Grace is the beauty of the soul." - Saint Augustine
"Grace is the wisdom of God, an inherent part of God's divine character." - Max Lucado

"Grace is the divine influence upon the heart and its reflection in the life." - Charles Haddon Spurgeon
"Grace is the beauty of form under the influence of freedom." - Friedrich Schiller

Bible Verses

1 Peter 1:2: "Who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to be obedient to Jesus Christ and sprinkled with his blood: Grace and peace be yours in abundance."
Ephesians 2:5: "made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions-it is by grace you have been saved."
Romans 16:20: "The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you."

John 1:17: "For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ."
Galatians 2:21: "I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!"
2 Corinthians 8:9: "For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich."

Psalm 84:11: "For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless."
Ephesians 2:8: "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God."
Romans 6:14: "For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace."

2 Thessalonians 2:16: "May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope."
2 Corinthians 12:9: "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me."
Romans 5:2: "Through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God."
1 Corinthians 3:10: "By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as a wise builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should build with care."

John 1:16: "Out of his fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given."
Romans 5:17: "For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ!"
Titus 2:11: "For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people."

2 Timothy 1:9: "He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time."
1 Peter 4:10: "Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms."
James 4:6: "But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: 'God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.”

Romans 11:6: "And if by grace, then it cannot be based on works; if it were, grace would no longer be grace."
Acts 20:24: "However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me-the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace."
1 Corinthians 15:10: "But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them-yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me."

1 Peter 5:10: "And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast."
Romans 3:24: "And all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus."
2 Corinthians 9:8: "And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work."

Colossians 3:16: "Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts."
Ephesians 1:7: "In Him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace."
Hebrews 4:16: "Let us then approach God's throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need."

Ephesians 4:7: "But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it."
1 Corinthians 1:4: "I always thank my God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus."
John 1:14: "The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth."
Hebrews 12:15: "See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many."

1 Corinthians 15:57: "But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."
Titus 3:7: "so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life."
2 Peter 3:18: "But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen."

Colossians 4:6: "Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone."
2 Timothy 2:1: "You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus."
1 Peter 1:13: "Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming."

2 John 1:3: "Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Father’s Son, will be with us in truth and love."

Concluding the Past Few Weeks

Grace encompasses kindness, forgiveness, and divine favor. It involves acts of goodwill, forgiveness, and mercy toward others, driven by empathy and compassion. As we look back on the past couple of weeks and the insights we've gained, take a moment to reflect on the profound and elaborate nature of grace. Consider how it manifests in various contexts, from divine favor to acts of kindness, and how your understanding of grace has evolved. What insights have you gained, and how might these newfound perspectives influence your outlook on life and interactions with others?

We'd love to hear your thoughts and feelings about the valuable lessons on grace that you've acquired over the past several weeks. Share your insights, experiences, and any changes you've noticed in your approach to life and interactions. Let's keep the grace-filled journey alive by engaging in ongoing self-reflection and consciously practicing it in our daily lives. Continue exploring and extending grace and encourage others to do the same. Together, we can fill the world with kindness and compassion.

Before we go, we want to share one last quote to contemplate: 

"Grace is not a theology. It is not a subject matter. It is not a doctrine. It is a person, and his name is Jesus. Grace is not about principles. It is about a person." - Joseph Prince

- Torrance Church of Christ

Understanding Grace: A Fundamental Concept in Christianity Part 5: Tips For Extending Grace to Others and Self

   Expanding on last week's post, Living a Grace-Filled Life, today we will discuss two common areas in life where individuals struggle to extend grace:

• To Others
• To Ourselves

   Certain interactions and scenarios can get the best of us and make it more difficult to feel graceful. But don’t worry, in addition to discussing these situations, we will also cover ways to align your responses with grace so you can overcome the challenges when they arise. 

Factors That Affect The Ability To Extend Grace

   The capacity for offering grace to oneself or another is often affected by emotions like pride, anger, or uncertainty, as they cloud judgment and prevent empathy and understanding. 
   Extending grace to oneself is often hampered by the internal struggles many individuals face. Complicating matters is the human tendency towards self-criticism and perfectionism. Individuals often hold themselves to impossibly high standards, and when they inevitably fall short, they find it hard to offer forgiveness or understanding to themselves. This self-judgment can lead to feelings of guilt, shame, and unworthiness. Additionally, societal and cultural pressures play a role, as there is often an emphasis on individual achievement and success, which can make self-compassion seem like a sign of weakness. Furthermore, past traumas, negative experiences, or a history of being overly self-critical can make it challenging to break free from these patterns and extend grace to oneself.
   On the other hand, extending grace to others can be hindered by judgments and preconceived notions. The proneness to hold oneself to a high standard can influence individuals to harbor the same high expectations of others. This unrelenting pursuit of perfection can lead individuals to focus on others' flaws and mistakes. Similarly, some may find it difficult to empathize with those who hold different beliefs or have made choices that diverge from their own. Fear of vulnerability further obstructs an individual's position to apply grace. Opening up to forgive, understand, or empathize with others can make us feel exposed or susceptible to potential hurt, contributing to a reluctance to offer understanding and forgiveness. 
 Unquestionably, the failure to apply grace in different situations sets limitations on our ability to live a grace-filled life. 

Interconnected Relationship

   Below, we’ve divided the tips and suggestions into two sections: tips for extending grace to others, and tips for extending grace to yourself. As you go through the tips, you’ll notice a lot of similarities. While reading, contemplate the role and relationship that extending grace to yourself and others play in one another. 

Tips For Awarding Others Grace

Practice Empathy: Try to understand the other person's perspective and feelings. Empathy allows you to connect with their experiences and struggles.

Be a Good Listener: Give the other person your full attention when they are speaking. Listening attentively shows respect and understanding.
Suspend Judgment: Avoid jumping to conclusions or making assumptions about someone's intentions or character. Give them the benefit of the doubt.
Forgive Freely: Let go of grudges and resentment. Forgiveness is a powerful way to extend grace, even when it seems difficult.
Offer Encouragement: Provide words of encouragement and support when someone is facing challenges. Be a source of positivity in their life.
Respect Boundaries: Recognize and respect personal boundaries. Not everyone may be ready to accept your grace, so allow them space when needed.
Practice Patience: Understand that people make mistakes and have their own journeys. Be patient with their flaws and imperfections.
Show Kindness: Small acts of kindness can go a long way in extending grace. Offer a helping hand, a smile, or a friendly gesture.

Avoid Retaliation: When someone wrongs you, resist the urge to retaliate. Instead, respond with kindness and understanding.
Communicate Openly: Encourage open and honest communication. Address misunderstandings or conflicts calmly and respectfully.
Be Humble: Recognize your own imperfections and need for grace. Humility allows you to extend grace more readily to others.
Focus on the Person, Not the Behavior: Distinguish between a person's actions and their intrinsic worth. Extend grace to the person while addressing the behavior.
Offer Second Chances: Be willing to give people a second chance if they have made mistakes or have hurt you in the past.

Practice Self-Reflection: Reflect on your own experiences and how you have received grace from others. This can deepen your understanding of the value of grace.
Set Realistic Expectations: Understand that nobody is perfect. Set realistic expectations for others, recognizing that they will have their own shortcomings.
Seek Common Ground: Find common ground and shared values with others. This can foster a sense of connection and mutual understanding.
Look For Opportunities: Make a habit of looking for opportunities to extend grace. The awareness can have a profound impact.
Be Consistent: Consistently extending grace, rather than doing so sporadically, helps build trust and strengthen relationships.
Pray for Guidance: If you are uncertain about how to extend grace in a particular situation, seek guidance through prayer or meditation.

   Extending grace to others encourages a climate of warmth and understanding, promoting healthier relationships and reducing conflicts. It enables us to see beyond shortcomings, enriching trust and fortifying connections based on empathy and support.

And Granting Grace To Yourself, Too

Practice Self-Kindness: Treat yourself with the same kindness and compassion that you would offer to a dear friend. Be gentle with your thoughts and words toward yourself.
Challenge Self-Criticism: Recognize and challenge negative self-talk. When you notice self-criticism, replace it with more encouraging and constructive thoughts.
Forgive Yourself: Accept that everyone makes mistakes and has flaws. Forgive yourself for past actions or decisions that you regret. Remember that you are human.

Acknowledge Your Worth: Understand that your worth is not determined by your achievements, appearance, or external validation. You are inherently valuable as you are.
Set Realistic Expectations: Avoid setting excessively high or unrealistic standards for yourself. Strive for progress, not perfection.
Practice Self-Compassion: Embrace self-compassion by acknowledging your suffering and offering yourself comfort and understanding. Imagine what you would say to a friend in a similar situation.

Focus on Self-Care: Prioritize self-care activities that nurture your physical, emotional, and mental well-being. This includes getting enough rest, eating well, and engaging in activities you enjoy.
Learn from Mistakes: View mistakes and setbacks as opportunities for growth and learning. Instead of dwelling on past errors, focus on how you can improve and move forward.
Set Boundaries: Establish healthy boundaries that protect your physical and emotional well-being. Saying "no" when necessary is an act of self-grace.
Celebrate Achievements: Acknowledge and celebrate your accomplishments, no matter how small they may seem. Reward yourself for your efforts.
Practice Mindfulness: Engage in mindfulness or meditation practices to stay present and cultivate self-awareness. Mindfulness can help you better understand your thoughts and feelings.
Seek Support: Don't hesitate to reach out to friends, family, or a therapist when you're struggling. Sharing your thoughts and feelings with others can provide valuable perspective and support.
Release Perfectionism: Let go of the need to be perfect. Understand that making mistakes is a natural part of the human experience.

Reflect on Your Strengths: Regularly remind yourself of your strengths and talents. Recognize the unique qualities that make you who you are.
Practice Self-Validation: Validate your own feelings and experiences. You don't need external validation to know that your emotions are valid.
Be Patient with Yourself: Change and growth take time. Be patient with yourself as you work toward self-improvement and personal goals.
Create a Self-Compassion Mantra: Develop a mantra or affirmations that remind you to be kind and compassionate to yourself. Repeat these affirmations when needed.
Learn to Let Go: Release regrets and grudges from the past. Holding onto them only hinders your ability to extend grace to yourself.
Journal Your Thoughts: Keep a journal to express your thoughts and feelings. This can be a safe space to explore your emotions and practice self-reflection.
Celebrate Self-Love: Celebrate self-love as an ongoing journey. Understand that extending grace to yourself is a continuous practice, and it's okay to have moments of self-doubt.

   Extending grace to oneself can bring about a profound sense of emotional relief and inner peace. It allows individuals to release the burden of self-criticism and perfectionism, building a healthier self-image and elevated self-esteem. Embracing self-compassion often leads to increased resilience, reduced stress, and improved mental well-being, which enables individuals to navigate life's challenges with greater ease and a more positive outlook.

Revisiting The Interconnected Relationship

   When you apply grace to yourself and others, you create the space for a harmonious and interconnected cycle of compassion. When individuals practice self-compassion, they become better equipped to empathize with and support others. Conversely, showing grace to others often reinforces the importance of self-compassion, leading to a feedback of reciprocity that sustains empathy, understanding, and stronger relationships.

Wrapping Up

A combination of societal pressures, cultural differences, emotional reactions, and personal expectations and biases undermine our ability to extend grace to ourselves and others. Overcoming these obstacles requires self-awareness, empathy, and a willingness to embrace imperfections. Be attentive to the needs of those around you, and look for opportunities to make a positive difference in their lives, while diligently upholding self-compassion and caring for your own needs, too. Doing so will create a cycle of mutual respect and understanding that enhances our overall well-being. 
   It is important to remember that extending grace is an ongoing process, and it's perfectly normal to experience ups and downs along the way. Be patient with yourself, and don’t let setbacks deter you. With consistent practice and exposure, you open yourself up to the opportunity to effortlessly equip grace, feeding the conditions that allow it to become an ingrained mannerism. Trust in God's unending love and His promise of abundant grace, and allow it to shape your daily life and interactions with yourself and others.

-Torrance Church of Christ

The Shapes and Sizes of Prayer: Multiple Forms of Communication with God: Part 2

Continuing last week’s post, today we will further our inspection of the different forms of prayer.  

The Prayer of Intercession

Also Called: Praying for Others, Prayer for Loved Ones, Praying for your Neighbor, Prayer for Intervention
Purpose: This form of prayer involves praying on behalf of others, lifting their needs, concerns, and struggles before God. An intercessory prayer is a selfless act of love and compassion, seeking God's intervention and blessings for others.
Scripture References: Genesis 18:22-33, Exodus 32:11-14, Ephesians 1:15-19

The Childlike Prayer

Purpose: Approach God with childlike faith, simplicity, and honesty, pouring out your heart without pretense.
Scripture References: Matthew 18:3, Luke 18:17

The Prayer of Gratitude

Also Called: Prayer of Thanksgiving, Prayer of Appreciation, Prayer of Thanks
Purpose: Thanksgiving prayer focuses on expressing gratitude to God for His blessings, provisions, and the good things in life. It is a way of acknowledging God's goodness and faithfulness.
Scripture References: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, 1 Samuel 2:1-10, Colossians 3:15-17, Psalm 136

Prayer Through Artistic Expression 

Purpose: Express your prayers through art, whether it's painting, drawing, sculpture, or any other creative form. Use your artistic abilities to communicate with God.
Scripture References: Exodus 35:30-35, Colossians 1:16, Exodus 31:3

The Mealtime Prayer

Also Called: Breaking Bread, Saying Grace
Purpose: Offer thanks to God before meals, recognizing His provision and blessings in your daily sustenance.
Scripture References: Matthew 14:19, 1 Corinthians 10:31, Acts 27:35

The Prayer of Petition

Also Called: Prayer of Supplication, Prayer for Mediation, Prayer for Intervention, Plea for Help
Purpose: The Prayer of Petition is when individuals ask God for specific needs and desires, seeking His help, guidance, and provision in various aspects of life.
Scripture References: 1 Samuel 1:10-20, 1 Kings 3:5-15, 1 Chronicles 4:10

Prayer and Focused Breathing 

Purpose: Choose a short phrase or Scripture verse and synchronize it with your breath as you pray.
Scripture References: Job 32:8, Isaiah 42:5

The Prayer of Repetition

Also Called: Praying without Ceasing
Purpose: Repetitive Prayer involves repeating a short phrase or Scripture throughout the day as a way of maintaining a continuous connection with God.
Scripture References: Matthew 4:4, Psalm 119:11

The Prayer of Contemplation

Also Called: Prayer of Silence, Meditative Prayer, Silent Prayer
Purpose: Contemplative prayer is a form of silent or wordless prayer, where individuals seek to rest in God's presence, listening and meditating on His Word without necessarily using words or requests.
Scripture References: Luke 2:19, Psalm 119:97-104, Psalm 46:10, Psalm 1:2, Romans 8:26-27

The Prayer of Praiseful Song

Purpose: Engage in prayer through worship music or singing. Express your feelings and thoughts to God through melodies and lyrics.
Scripture References: Psalm 100, Luke 1:46-55, 2 Samuel 22:1-51, Psalm 92, Psalm 33:1-3

The Prayer of Protection

Purpose: A prayer of protection is a plea to God for safeguarding from harm, danger, and negative influences.
Scripture References: Psalm 91:1-2, Psalm 91:9-11, Psalm 5:11

The Prayer of Surrender

Purpose: The prayer of surrender involves yielding one's desires, plans, and will to God, seeking His guidance, and submitting to His purpose.
Scripture References: Jonah 2:1-9, Matthew 26:39, James 4:10, Romans 13:14

Praying the Word

Also Called: Responsive Prayer, Scriptural Prayer
Purpose: These prayers involve reading and responding to specific passages of Scripture or prompts, allowing God’s Word to guide the content of the prayer.
Scripture References: Joshua 1:8, Matthew 7:24

The Lord’s Prayer

Purpose: The Lord's Prayer, also known as the "Our Father," is a model prayer given by Jesus to His disciples. It covers various aspects of prayer, including praise, submission to God's will, and seeking forgiveness.
Scripture References: Matthew 6:9-13

Before You Go

We invite you to reflect on your preferred mode of prayer. Are you drawn to contemplative silence, earnest supplication, or perhaps joyful gratitude? Embrace the opportunity to enrich your spiritual journey as you contemplate the prayer that resonates most deeply, explore new horizons, and find the profound meaning that speaks to your soul.

- Torrance Church of Christ