Choosing the path of grace is about someone who wants the best for the person they are involved with. In our sinful nature, it’s common to treat people harshly when we’re dissatisfied with their behavior or other issues. Often, when couples face marital problems, they tend to be critical of their spouse’s actions. They criticize the little things, instead of extending grace. On the other side of the ledger are those who choose the path of grace, trying to interpret the circumstances in the best light, with Jesus as our example.
If you have placed your faith in Jesus as your Savior, you have experienced grace that you did not deserve, which is life-changing. Ephesians 2:4 But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, 5 that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!)[1]
Joseph Had a Heart of Grace.
Mary and Joseph were betrothed, a term similar to engagement today, but with a more binding nature. During this time, a couple was not officially married, but their relationship could only be broken by death or divorce. Also, during this period of engagement, a couple did not live together or have sexual relations.
It was during this time of engagement that the angel Gabriel visited Mary and told her she would have a child by the Holy Spirit. The child would be the Son of the Most High, and she was to name him Jesus. Soon after that, Mary visited her cousin Elizabeth for three months and then returned to Nazareth. After her return, Joseph must have been surprised, but what he plans to do next gives insight into his character.
Matthew 1:19 Joseph, to whom she was engaged, was a righteous man and did not want to disgrace her publicly, so he decided to break the engagement quietly.[2] Although God would later reveal to Joseph that Mary was faithful, he did not know this at the time.
We Can Also Choose Grace
When we start to meditate on the grace Jesus has given us, it not only makes us thankful but also encourages us to show grace to others. We have free will and can choose to ask the Lord for help in extending grace to others, even when it’s hard. Colossians 3:13Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. [3]
It might seem surprising, but showing kindness to those who have hurt us is a way to show gratitude for the kindness we’ve received from God. In essence, we’re saying, “Thanks, God, for being kind and merciful. Thanks for giving us your undeserved favor. Thanks for loving us unconditionally.”
Over the years, I’ve come to understand that grace isn’t something you can really explain – it’s something you have to feel. When we realize the incredible gift God has given us, it naturally fills us with gratitude. God sees the kindness in our hearts and beams with joy when we show that same grace to others. To learn more about choosing the path of grace, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/the-gift-of-dreams
[1-3] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation . Tyndale House Publishers.