Friday, May 10, 2024

Have you ever unintentionally caused someone pain? I know I have.

I remember back in junior high making a comment to my friend that I thought would get a laugh. It didn’t! My “joke” hurt her feelings, and she refused to talk to me for several days. I felt ashamed for what I had done and wrote her a letter, apologizing for my actions. Luckily, she accepted my apology, and we returned to being good friends again.

We have all been there—we’ve said or done something that unintentionally hurt someone’s feelings. Sometimes, we can mend the relationship, like I did with my friend, by apologizing or through some act of kindness. Other times, the relationship isn’t that easy to restore.

Despite our imperfections and relational struggles, our relationship with Jesus is one we can rely on. Regardless of our failures and shortcomings, we can always expect to receive grace.

Jesus understood temptation. In Matthew 4:1-11, Jesus faced three major temptations from Satan during his 40 days of fasting and prayer in the wilderness. Satan first challenged Jesus to turn stones into bread to satisfy his hunger, then he encouraged Jesus to throw himself down from the temple, suggesting that God would send angels to save him. And lastly, Satan showed Jesus all the nations of the world and offered them to Jesus, if only he would bow down and worship Satan.

Jesus made the ultimate sacrifice for us by dying on the cross to save us from our sins. Because of this sacrifice, we know we can come to him when we cause pain to others or make a bad decision. This relieves us from the burden of shame.

Romans 6:14
Sin is no longer your master, for you no longer live under the requirements of the law. Instead, you live under the freedom of God’s grace.

Learning this brings us comfort and peace. Understand that we can always seek refuge in the arms of Jesus, regardless of our circumstances. What a great gift God has given us!

Questions:
In what areas of your life have you had to ask for God’s grace?

Have you asked for God’s grace when others have caused you pain?

Have you shown God’s grace to others when they have fallen short?

Next Steps:
Each day, set aside some time to be alone with God to reflect on areas of your life where you need his grace. Feel free to ask for grace and forgiveness.

Each week, look for ways to show God’s grace to others who fall short. Don’t be afraid to ask for his guidance to discover ways to show grace.

Prayer:
Dear God, I know I have fallen short at times. It is hard for me to admit it because it can bring shame. It is not easy for me to come to you to ask for your grace. Help me remember that your grace is unconditional, no matter what the circumstances. Show me ways that I can show your grace to others. Amen.

Series Theme Verse:

Romans 6:14
Sin is no longer your master, for you no longer live under the requirements of the law. Instead, you live under the freedom of God’s grace.

This post was written by Connie Disbro, a regular contributor to the LivingItOut Devotional.