The Awesome Extension of Grace 8-1-24
The next image is one that captures much attention, and prayerfully this will be an eye opener to whoever is guilty of casting stones.
The word image - Hurt People Cast Stones. Healed People Cast Grace.
There are various reasons why hurt people cast stones at others. They could be suffering from mental anguish due to the loss of a job, someone close to them passed, sickness, depression, mental and physical abuse, unforgiveness and so on. Whatever the case, if it is chronic, others can be targeted, which can also cause them to have emotional pain.
Example of how hurting people cast stones- they do not speak kindly of some others; their view of others is negative.
From my experience these types of people don’t realize they are hurting
others by casting stones at them. These same people may think that being a Christian takes care of everything. Just because one is saved, doesn’t mean that they have been delivered from those deeply embedded roots that keeps them bound.
Although God sees us as perfect and complete in Christ. and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power (Colossians 2:10). However, from our perspective, we have been saved from the penalty of sin, we are being saved from the power of sin, and we will be saved from the presence of sin when we reach heaven.
Because we are limited when it comes to time, everything is a process. Therefore, we are responsible for our spiritual growth. but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen (2 Peter 3:18).
Years ago, I was a member of a church that had testimonial service before the eleven o’clock service started. It was obvious that some people were actually using that time to “throw rocks” at others. The hurt on their face could easily be seen. They looked like they had lemons in their jaws, because of the sour demeanor. Eventually, the testimonial service came to an end. We called it the “Testilying service”
The words that came from their mouths offended some people, whereas I thought it was pitiful, because these people thought they were okay.
On the other hand, a person who has been delivered from their emotional and even physical pain understands what it means to cast grace. Jesus came with grace and truth, and there are different graces for each situation. For instance, Jesus provided “Saving grace” For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast (Ephesians 2:8-9),
and the Lord certainly gave the Grace that went beyond any sin and still goes beyond any sin we commit. But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more (Romans 5:20b);
then the Spirit of God gives the “Empowering grace” to fulfill God’s purpose in our lives. But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth (Acts 1:8).
Let's talk about the awesome extension of grace that the children of God are given to minister to others. Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one (Colossians 4:6).
This is a challenge to the readers and myself, what are we casting stones or grace? Question - Are we growing in grace and knowledge of Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:18)? Answer – Our actions tell where we are. Extending grace comes through Love!
Betty A. Burnett ~ burnettministries.org
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