July 20, 2019: SOAP #3516:  2Chronicles 29-31; James 4

Scripture:  James (NIV) 4:6 But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” …
11 Brothers, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against his brother or judges him speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it

Observation:   We all have sinned; we all need grace.  We all live in a sinful world from which we pick up sinful attitudes.  We can all be thankful that God is graceful and does not reject us.  His merciful-kindness is extended to us.

But God is not only interested in getting grace to us; He wants to get grace through us.  May others be thankful that we are graceful too.

Application:   It is when people fall below my expectations. mistreat me, or slander me, that I have opportunity to express grace.  Human nature may be wanting to get even, to respond in kind, to express anger or frustration, but the presence of the Holy Spirit encourages me to express grace.

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, may the grace you have shown me find expression through me to others.  May merciful-kindness be woven into my character.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!