We can set a beautiful atmosphere of grace in Christ

[Reading Time: Approx. 4 min]

Lesson 7 Devotional: Jesus | The Source of the Grace We Give (Luke 6:36)

Luke 6:36 (NIV)36 Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.

I love physical training. I started training intensely at age 10. Motivation isn’t a problem for me, but I need different types at different times. I have a training planner that covers decades, midterm plans for the year, and short-term plans for the month. In the gym, I focus on the next set or exercise. Each of those stages requires different motivation.For example, thinking about playing with my grandkids doesn’t help when I need to push through a tough rep or finish the last 30 seconds of cardio. Planning next month’s training requires a different kind of motivation than just getting through my last set. In the same way, loving others requires different motivations at different times.

Shifting Perspectives: From Guilt to an Atmosphere of GraceThere was a time when thinking about the cross would make me feel guilty, like I needed to suffer more to be like Jesus—as if suffering could somehow earn favor. I viewed the cross through a lens of guilt and a works-oriented mindset.But now, the cross has a different effect on me because of my understanding of God’s mercy and love. Even if I’m not always focusing directly on His compassion, it’s seeing the cross through that perspective that helps me endure. I’m now able to live in an atmosphere of compassion and grace (though I still have a ways to go).

Understanding Grace in Loving OthersMy greatest motivation for exercise is living a long, fruitful, love-filled life. My motivation for loving others comes down to God’s grace. But that grace doesn’t help when someone attacks me emotionally. In those moments, I need the cross. The cross reminds me that even when I feel alone, abandoned, and in pain, I have Jesus to look to.

The Challenge of Understanding GraceLet’s talk about God’s grace. What is it exactly? When I was a young Christian, I was told repeatedly, “Bro, you gotta accept God’s grace.” And “When you have kids, you’ll understand it.” But I just didn’t get it. I didn’t grow up in a home that showed much compassion. To make it harder, I was a United States Marine—definitely not a place to learn about mercy. Quite the opposite. Everything was judged harshly.For example, I remember a barracks inspection where the inspector got on his knees, rubbed his hand behind my toilet, and gave me a demerit because the back of the toilet was wet. So you can see why understanding mercy and kindness was tough for me.

Learning Grace Through ScriptureI’ve been a Christian for 29 years now, and I finally have a better understanding of God’s grace. For me, personally, I need to see it clearly in the Word of God to fully grasp it. What has really helped me comprehend God’s mercy is how He dealt with Israel under the old covenant. This is a powerful example of His patience. From the very first man and woman—Adam and Eve—all the way to Israel returning from captivity, His people disobeyed Him repeatedly. But time and again, God sent His servants, the prophets, to turn them back. They would listen for a while and then return to their rebellious ways. In some cases, they were even worse than the surrounding nations, who were exceedingly wicked. But in spite of all this, He still penned this famous passage:

Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

This is one of the many passages of scripture that show me what His grace is. When I have this on my mind, I'm able to set that atmosphere of grace around me for others.

Applying Grace in Our LivesWhen I think of all this, it makes it very easy for me to extend grace in my home. It makes it easy to extend grace in my church. But that’s the key: “I remember.” It’s easy to forget and to go back to our old ways of thinking. That’s why it is so important for us to be in the Word—specifically the Gospels.

Creating an Atmosphere of GraceThe more we read the Gospels, the more we see God’s grace, and the more we extend that to those around us. This is how we set that atmosphere of grace around us with those closest to us—be it our spouses and children, our closest friends, colleagues, neighbors, etc. So when it comes to carrying our cross to love others and extending grace in our home, community, and workplaces, it’s going to start with us having a good understanding of God’s grace through the study of the Word, both Old Testament and New.

Walking As Jesus Did: Practical ApplicationHow can we apply what we’ve learned today to walk as Jesus did?

1Look at Them and Love Them: Before saying something hard, look at them with the love Jesus showed in Mark 10:21.
2Be on the Lookout: Seek an opportunity to be the one who shows grace, like Jesus with the woman caught in adultery (John 8:1-11).
3Pay it Forward: Recall a time when someone showed you grace after you messed up and how relieved you felt. Offer that grace to someone else, remembering the parable of the merciful servant (Matthew 18:21-35).

Lesson 8 Training Tips

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.

1Memorize: Memorize one scripture that inspires and empowers you to show grace to others.
2Recall: Write down one instance where you showed grace and one where you didn’t. Compare your thoughts and feelings, with what God’s word teaches about His grace.
3Reflect: Think through daily scenarios where you struggle to show grace. Reflect on those situations while considering scriptures on grace.

ConclusionThe more we recognize the grace we've received from God, the more empowered we are to extend that grace to others. The more time we spend getting to know God through His word, the stronger our conviction about His grace will be. We'll be able to create an atmosphere of grace around us and have a deep motivation to love God and others that lasts.

Lesson 8: Jesus | With Him, We Can Create an Atmosphere of Grace (Luke 6:36)

You must be logged in to access this course