Grace.

[Reading Time: Approx. 6 min]

Lesson 7 Devotional: Jesus | He Leads with Grace (John 8:1-11)

John 8:1-11 (NIV)1 but Jesus went to the Mount of Olives.2 At dawn he appeared again in the temple courts, where all the people gathered around him, and he sat down to teach them. 3 The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group 4 and said to Jesus, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. 5 In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?” 6 They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him.But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. 7 When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” 8 Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground.9 At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. 10 Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?”11 “No one, sir,” she said.“Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.”

We are called to lead with grace because of the abundant grace we ourselves have received from God. This grace, given freely through Jesus, is our motivation to extend the same grace to others, especially in our closest relationships.

The Grace JourneyI often reflect on how I perceived myself before I was married. Then, I got married, and the reality of my flaws began to surface. I saw how impatient I could be and how uncompromising I was—traits that I still struggle with today. But it wasn't until I had kids that my true nature fully emerged. The challenges of marriage and parenthood have revealed to me just how much grace I need, both from God and from those around me.Over the years, I have become increasingly aware of the immense grace God has given me. This awareness motivates me to extend that same grace to others. Admittedly, I don’t always remember to give grace at the moment—I’m still working on that. But I’ve learned that grace is essential, especially in my interactions with my wife, children, and others in my life.However, leading with grace does not mean avoiding conflict or always being agreeable. In fact, true grace often requires confronting difficult situations, especially within our families. Our wives, children, and other loved ones may sometimes hurt us in ways they don’t fully understand because they may not hold themselves to the same biblical standards. They might not see their actions as sinful or harmful, and this can lead to misunderstandings and conflicts.As leaders in our families, it is crucial to address these issues with grace. Confronting a loved one about their actions is not about condemning them but about guiding them towards a better path. Jesus demonstrated this when He gently corrected His disciples, helping them understand their mistakes while still affirming His love for them.When our family members wrong us, it’s important to cancel the offense in our hearts, letting go of resentment, while still communicating the need for change. This balance of grace and truth is vital for maintaining healthy, loving relationships. It’s not enough to simply forgive and move on; we must also engage in open, honest conversations that lead to growth and understanding. Through grace-filled leadership, we can help our loved ones see the impact of their actions and encourage them to make positive changes.Jesus exemplified this grace in every aspect of His ministry. He didn’t shy away from confronting sin or speaking hard truths, but He always did so with an attitude of love and a desire for redemption rather than condemnation. His encounter with the woman caught in adultery (John 8:1-11) is a powerful example of this. While the law called for her punishment, Jesus extended grace, telling her to “go and sin no more.” He led her not through judgment, but through a compassionate invitation to a transformed life.As we consider how we can lead with grace, especially within our families, we must first understand that grace in leadership involves the courage to address wrongs while maintaining a heart full of love and forgiveness. It means guiding our loved ones with a gentle yet firm hand, helping them grow without feeling condemned.

The Reality of Grace in Our LivesWe are called to love others, but we must also recognize that, despite our best efforts, we will inevitably fall short. That’s where grace comes in. God isn’t asking for perfection; He’s looking for hearts that desire to please Him and trust in His guidance. If we focus on these things and do our best to love others, grace can cover the rest.Grace doesn't mean ignoring wrongs or pretending that everything is okay. Instead, it involves a conscious decision to forgive, to be patient, and to love others despite their flaws—just as God does with us. As we receive His grace, we are empowered to lead with grace in our own lives.

Leading with GraceIn our daily interactions, whether with our spouse, our children, or others, remember that leading with grace is possible because of the grace we have received from God. Keep striving to love others, rely on God’s strength, and let His grace fill in the gaps where we fall short.

Walking As Jesus Did: Practical ApplicationHow can we apply what we’ve learned today to walk as Jesus did? In our efforts to extend grace, we can look to some of Jesus' examples..

1Look for Opportunities to Extend Grace: They are all around us. Think of someone who has hurt you. That is the person who needs to see grace from you. Grace doesn't mean we don't address the wrongs, but it does mean that we do so in a spirit of mercy. Jesus told the woman caught in the act of adultery to leave her life of sin, but he didn't condemn her.
2Love More: Jesus put himself out there in advance, knowing he was going to be deserted by his disciples. In the same way, we can initiate love to others more, knowing that even if and when they hurt us, we'll extend them grace and keep moving forward (up to a point).

Lesson 7 Training Tips: Strengthen the Muscles of Grace

Getting More from Your Study of the GospelsThese insights aim to build your faith, deepen your understanding, and encourage practical application of God’s Word.

1Look for Insights for Showing More Grace: Think of times when you didn't show grace to someone recently. Journal about it and let the Holy Spirit give you insight into what God was trying to teach you through that situation as you continue to read through the gospels.
2Practice the Lessons the Spirit Teaches You: There's probably someone in your life who constantly requires you to show them grace. Take the insights you gain from the previous tip, and go and speak the truth in love to them to help them make changes to make for a better relationship between the two of you.

ConclusionThe more we recognize the grace we've received from God, the more empowered we are to extend that grace to others. Leading with grace means balancing truth with love, addressing wrongs with compassion, and guiding others toward growth without condemnation. By following Jesus' example, we can cultivate relationships rooted in forgiveness, understanding, and genuine care.

Lesson 7: Jesus | With Him, We Can Lead with Grace (John 8:1-11)

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