Let your conversation be gracious and attractive. -Colossians 4:6

Early in Clair’s role as an executive editor, a serious typesetting error slipped by him and went into print. He was depressed about the mistake and even avoided his colleagues at coffee breaks for a couple days. But one afternoon, he looked up from his desk to see the president of the company standing next to him. The man gripped Clair’s shoulder and said, “Don’t take it so hard. Just remember, we’re not in heaven yet.”

Clair always remembered that kind word of grace given to him at a difficult time. While he was sometimes tempted to dwell on mistakes he made, he realized he could also learn from them. But he knew as well that he needed to pass on that same kind of grace he’d received to others.

Extending grace to someone is often an unexpected gift that can lift a heaviness of the heart. It’s an offshoot of the incredible grace that God has given us. We deserved to be eternally separated from God because of our sin, but instead, He gave us a gift that was completely undeserved—His Son, Jesus, who was Himself “full of grace and truth” (John 1:14 NIV). This Grace-Giver transformed Good Friday’s sorrow into Easter’s joy.

It’s not always easy, but our hearts should continually be “gracious” (Colossians 4:6), even toward those who seem undeserving. As generous grace-givers, we can point others to the true Source of grace.

-CINDY HESS KASPER

Because of God’s gracious gift to us, why is it important for you to show grace to others? How can you be an example of Christ’s love by keeping your words “full of grace”?

Father, forgive me for my reluctance to give grace to others. Help me to show grace and generosity to those who are hurting.