How can we extend grace to others, as God did to Paul? The Apostle’s Before-and-After Snapshot “Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, yet I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief.” — 1 Timothy 1:13 What Grace Looked Like for Paul • Blasphemer: He spoke against Jesus, yet the Lord still pursued him. • Persecutor: He hunted believers, yet Christ met him with forgiveness (Acts 9:1-5). • Violent man: He caused suffering, yet God planned to use him to spread the gospel (Acts 9:15-16). Grace meant that Paul’s past no longer defined his usefulness; God’s mercy did. Recognizing the Pattern of Divine Grace • God moves first: “But God proves His love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” — Romans 5:8 • Mercy precedes merit: “For it is by grace you have been saved through faith… not by works.” — Ephesians 2:8-9 • New purpose follows forgiveness: Paul becomes a “pattern to those who would believe” (1 Timothy 1:16). Principles for Extending Grace to Others • Remember our own rescue: We give what we have received (Matthew 10:8). • Separate the person from the past: See potential in Christ, not just past failures (2 Corinthians 5:17). • Lead with mercy, not judgment: “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.” — Luke 6:36 • Offer truth in love: Grace never ignores sin but addresses it redemptively (Ephesians 4:15). Practical Ways to Live Out Grace 1. Speak redemptively – Choose words that build up rather than pounce on mistakes (Ephesians 4:29). 2. Forgive quickly – “Just as the Lord forgave you, so also you must forgive.” — Colossians 3:13 3. Pray for those who oppose you – Following Stephen’s example in Acts 7:60 and Jesus’ in Luke 23:34. 4. Serve sacrificially – Meet real needs even when appreciation seems unlikely (Galatians 6:9-10). 5. Celebrate transformation – Rejoice when God changes someone, refusing to keep a record of wrongs (1 Corinthians 13:5-6). Key Verses to Keep Handy • Ephesians 4:32 — “Be kind and tenderhearted to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” • Titus 3:5 — “He saved us, not by works of righteousness that we had done, but according to His mercy.” • Hebrews 4:16 — “Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Why Extending Grace Matters • It showcases the gospel’s power, turning enemies into family. • It undercuts bitterness and fosters unity in the body of Christ. • It points a watching world to the same Savior who turned Saul the persecutor into Paul the apostle. Grace reached Paul; it can reach anyone through us today. |
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