Tag: Grace

Living with grace in a community of imperfect people

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NELSON NOLAND

Life in community often reveals how easily people disagree, even about small matters. Many conflicts come from personal habits, background, or old convictions that feel important but are not matters of right and wrong. When people hold tightly to these non-essential issues, frustration and criticism grow. Yet unity depends on how we treat one another when we see things differently.

Ephesians 4:2-3 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, being diligent to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. IRS Images, 2025

A person’s past shapes how they see certain choices. Some people feel strong freedom in areas that others find uncomfortable. One person may feel free to enjoy certain foods or activities, while another avoids them because of past experiences or a sensitive conscience. Neither person is better than the other. Both are learning and growing, and both belong to God.

Trouble comes when one side looks down on the other. The person who feels free may see the cautious person as overly strict. The cautious person may view the other as careless or worldly. When this happens, pride, fear, and criticism begin to replace love. But God does not build unity through rules or pressure. He builds unity through grace.

Grace reminds us that none of us came to God because we were good. We were welcomed through mercy. If God can accept imperfect people, then we can accept one another. No one matures overnight. Some struggles last years. God keeps working on each person, leading them at the right pace. Because of this, no believer has the right to treat another as inferior or to act as if they are the judge of someone else’s progress.

Have thine own way, Lord!
Have thine own way!
Thou art the potter,
I am the clay.
Mold me and make me
after thy will,
while I am waiting,
yielded and still.

We also remember that every believer answers to God, not to us. Each person lives before the Lord, and the Lord is the one who helps them stand firm. God is the master, not other people. He sees the whole story, the wounds, the habits, the fears, and the victories. When we try to control someone else’s growth, we forget that God is already doing the work.

Everything a believer does, whether eating certain foods, following certain traditions, or avoiding them, is acceptable when it is done with a clear conscience and a desire to honour Christ. What makes an action meaningful is not the thing itself, but whether it is offered to the Lord. This keeps us from policing each other. Instead of asking, “Are they doing it the way I prefer?” we ask, “Does this help them honour Christ in their own walk?”

We belong to God because Christ died and rose again. He is Lord over every believer, whether young in faith or mature. He leads both the strong and the weak. Remembering this changes how we see disagreements. When Christ’s glory is our focus, small arguments fade. His cross and resurrection make our personal preferences seem small and temporary.

Sometimes loving others means limiting our own freedoms. A mature believer may choose not to do something harmless to them personally if it would discourage someone who is still healing or learning. That kind of love sends a powerful message. It shows that people matter more than preferences.

Families, churches, and communities all include people who need extra patience. God often surrounds us with those who stretch us, not by accident, but for our growth. Unity is not built through winning arguments. It is built through humility, patience, and a willingness to care more about people than about being right in non-essential matters.

When we focus on what is central, Christ’s grace, his death, his resurrection, and his work in people’s lives, then we stop majoring in the minors. We choose peace over pride. We choose to let others grow at God’s pace. And we choose to treat each other the way God has treated us: with kindness, patience, and room to grow.

Therefore, accept one another, just as Christ also accepted us, for the glory of God.

Romans 15:7

Faith and Promise over Law and Works

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ANDY ANDERSON

In Paul’s letter to the Galatians, he warned believers about turning away from the message of grace. The early Christians in Galatia were being influenced by a group some today call the Judaizers. These men taught that faith in Christ was not enough for salvation. They said Gentile believers must also follow the laws given to Moses, such as circumcision and the ceremonial commands. Paul firmly rejected this teaching, explaining that salvation does not come through human effort but through faith in Jesus Christ alone.

Paul reminded the Galatians that the law was never meant to save anyone. Its purpose was to show people their sin and point them toward Christ, the only one who could fulfill the law perfectly. Relying on the law for salvation only leads to guilt and bondage because no one can keep it completely. Only faith in the finished work of Christ brings freedom and peace with God.

To help the Galatians understand, Paul used an example from the Old Testament: the story of Abraham, Sarah, and Hagar. God had promised Abraham that he would have many descendants, as countless as the stars in the sky. Yet years passed and no child was born to Abraham and Sarah. Doubting that God would still act, Sarah told Abraham to have a child with her servant, Hagar. Hagar gave birth to Ishmael, but this was not the child of promise. Later, God fulfilled His word, and Sarah gave birth to Isaac, even though she was very old.

Paul explained that this story shows two ways people try to relate to God. Ishmael, born through human planning, represents trying to reach God through human effort and the law. Isaac, born through God’s promise, represents salvation through faith and the power of God. Just as Isaac was born because of God’s promise, so Christians are saved by grace, not by works.

Believers should not try to “help” God or take control of His promises. This often leads to difficulty. Abraham and Sarah acted out of impatience, and it caused pain within their family. From Paul’s writing we learn that God’s timing is perfect, even when His promises seem delayed. Waiting on God shows trust, while acting out of fear or frustration can lead to regret.

Paul also reminded the Galatians that when they first believed, they received the Holy Spirit. This didn’t happen through keeping the law but through faith. The Spirit’s presence proved that salvation was by grace. Seeking salvation through the law would undo the freedom they had found in Christ. He asked them to think carefully: why go back to rules that had never saved anyone? In Galatians 5:4 he writes, “You have been severed from Christ, you who are seeking to be justified by the Law; you have fallen from grace.”

The same truth applies today. Many still believe that good works or religious traditions can earn favour with God. But the message of the gospel remains unchanged. No amount of effort, ritual, or rule-keeping can remove sin or bring eternal life. Salvation is a gift of grace received by faith in Christ alone.

It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery.

Galatians 5:1

Growing in Grace and Knowledge

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RICHARD CORDER

The final words of the Apostle Peter in his second letter remind believers of two vital truths: the need for spiritual growth and the call to remain faithful. In 2 Peter 3:18, he urges followers of Christ to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” This instruction comes as both a warning and an encouragement for all who walk with God.

Peter’s audience faced hardship and confusion. False teachers had spread distorted ideas, leading some away from the truth. Peter’s desire was to protect these believers from losing their stability in faith. He reminded them that the best defence against error is growth. I’m speaking of growth in God’s grace and in understanding who Christ truly is. This growth begins with a firm commitment to God’s Word. Reading, studying, and reflecting on Scripture help believers know God’s character and promises.

The Bible reveals how He is present with us, answers prayer, strengthens us in trials, and keeps us faithful through difficulties. Forgetting these promises can make believers vulnerable to doubt, so Peter calls them to remember what God has said and live by it.

Growth also comes through prayer. Many people find prayer difficult because they feel alone while doing it, but prayer is a real conversation with God. It draws us closer to Him and teaches us trust. Sometimes prayers are answered exactly as asked; other times, God allows challenges to continue so that we can grow in patience and faith. Either way, prayer shapes our hearts to depend on Him.

Worship and fellowship are other ways that God’s grace helps us grow. When believers gather to sing, study, and share life together, they encourage each other and are reminded of God’s faithfulness. The early church devoted itself to these same practices. The early believers practiced teaching each other, breaking bread, prayer, and fellowship. In these they found strength in unity. These same habits remain essential for the church today.

Peter also warns against being influenced by the world’s thinking. The Apostle Paul gave a similar message in Romans 12, where he told believers not to conform to the world but to be transformed by renewing their minds through God’s Word. Only Scripture has the power to cleanse our thoughts and guide us toward what is good and pleasing to God. As our minds are renewed, we begin to see life as God sees it and can better understand His will.

Growing in grace means becoming more aware of God’s kindness and influence in our lives. Grace is not only unearned favour, it is also God’s active work in turning us to Christ, strengthening our faith, and helping us live in a way that reflects His character. Through prayer, Scripture, worship, and fellowship, God’s grace shapes us into people who show love, patience, humility, and faithfulness.

Alongside grace, Peter emphasizes growing in knowledge, knowing Christ personally. This knowledge comes through reading the Gospels, where His life and teachings are recorded, and through daily prayer, where we experience His care in our own circumstances. As believers see how God answers prayers and provides for needs, they come to trust His wisdom more deeply.

Peter ends his letter by directing all praise to Christ, saying, “To him be the glory both now and forever.” Spiritual growth is not only for our benefit; it brings honour to Jesus. When we live in a way that reflects His truth and kindness, we give glory to the One who saved us. The Christian life, then, is a journey of continual growth.

but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory, both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.

2 Peter 3:18

The Church as a Community of Rescuers

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ANDY ANDERSON

In 2018, the town of Paradise, California, was almost completely destroyed by fire. Over 150,000 acres burned, more than 18,000 buildings were lost, and 85 people died. The film The Lost Bus tells the true story of one man, a bus driver named Kevin, who risked his life to save others. When flames surrounded the area and parents couldn’t reach their children, Kevin drove into the fire to rescue twenty-two students and two teachers. The bus was damaged, the tires were melting, and the air was filled with smoke, but he refused to stop. For five hours, he fought through the fire until everyone was safe.

This story is a picture of what the church is meant to be. A community on a rescue mission. Like Kevin’s bus, the church is not meant for comfort or ease. It is not a cruise ship for passengers but a rescue bus heading into danger for the sake of others. Jesus is the one who drives that bus. He entered the fire of sin and death to save people who could not save themselves. His church continues that work by going after those still trapped in the flames of life’s struggles, whether in broken families, illness, or despair.

The Bible’s message, especially in Romans 12, teaches that being rescued by Christ also means becoming part of His rescue team. Believers are not saved to sit still. Once we are on the bus, we each have a part to play. The ride is free, but the calling carries responsibility. Every Christian has gifts and talents meant to serve others in the body of Christ.

The first lesson of Romans 12 is selflessness. A follower of Jesus cannot live for pride or attention. The Apostle Paul reminds believers not to think too highly of themselves but to see their lives through humility. All abilities and opportunities come from God. Without humility, unity cannot exist. The church only works when people think less about themselves and more about one another.

The next lesson is oneness. The church is called “the body of Christ,” with many members working together. Each person has a role, and no one can do everything alone. Just as the parts of a body have different functions but one purpose, the church must move together under Christ’s direction. Saying “I love Jesus but not His church” misses the truth that the church is His body. To reject it is to reject part of Him.

Selflessness leads to unity, and unity makes ministry possible. Romans 12 lists several kinds of gifts: prophecy, serving, teaching, encouragement, giving, leadership, and mercy. Each believer receives a unique mix of these gifts to strengthen the church. Serving is not meant to be a burden but a blessing. People should use their gifts with gladness and eagerness. A servant who helps unwillingly or a leader who leads without energy harms the body’s health.

Some people say they can be Christians without belonging to a church. But that is like saying, “I’m a musician without a band,” or “I’m a soldier without an army.” A Christian without a church community loses the support, accountability, and purpose that God designed for believers to share. Every Christian belongs in the body, and when someone is missing, the whole church becomes weaker.

The early followers of Jesus understood this. Historians note that the church grew quickly because every believer served. When plagues struck, others fled, but Christians stayed and cared for the sick. Their faith was shown through their actions, and people noticed. Real service draws people toward God more than words alone.

The heart of this message is simple: we are saved to serve.

As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the multifaceted grace of God.

1 Peter 4:10

Choosing Grace Over Payback

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NELSON NOLAND

The twelfth chapter of Romans ends with a call to live differently from the world around us. Modern culture celebrates revenge. From movies to online conflicts, payback is often seen as justice. But the gospel offers another path. We should follow a way that turns away from hate and chooses love, even toward those who have wronged us.

The teaching of Romans 12 is not easy. It asks us to love people who mistreat us and to answer harm with kindness. This is hard work, like putting on heavy gloves to do a tough job. Yet this is the kind of life Jesus calls His followers to live. It is not natural to forgive. I’ve come to believe it is something that grows from knowing that God first forgave us. The Bible says that while we were still His enemies, Christ died for us. When we understand that, we begin to see how to love others the same way.

To love enemies means to act with grace where the world expects revenge. It means refusing to return evil for evil. Across the world, there are real examples of people who have lived out this truth. A widow in Arizona forgave the man who killed her husband. Amish parents in Pennsylvania prayed for the driver who caused the death of their children. A retired judge in Michigan forgave the teenager who crashed into his car and even paid for the boy’s education. These moments show the kind of love that can only come from God. It is a love that brings healing instead of hate.

Such forgiveness is not weakness. It is strength that comes from faith. It does not excuse evil but hands justice over to God. The Bible says, “Vengeance is mine; I will repay, says the Lord.” Trusting that truth frees us from bitterness. Holding on to anger only poisons the heart. Letting go allows peace to enter.

Jesus also taught that we should love our enemies, pray for those who hurt us, and greet those who dislike us. These are not feelings but actions. Love is shown in what we do, choosing to bless instead of curse, to speak well instead of gossiping, to do good instead of seeking harm. Even small acts of kindness, like a word of peace or a shared meal, can change hearts. When we do this, we not only reflect God’s character but also find freedom for ourselves.

There is beauty in mercy. When we show grace, we rise above anger and become living examples of Christ’s love. In a world where outrage and division are common, forgiveness is a quiet revolution. It points people to a kingdom not built on pride or payback but on compassion and peace.

We live out our faith when we choose mercy over revenge.

Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

Colossians 3:13