What does being Grace-Filled mean?

At First Free we often talk about our Mission: To introduce people to Jesus and develop them in to fully devoted followers and to equip them to reach their city and world. Rarely do we talk about our Vision: To be a grace-filled, outward-focused church, full of joyful people who are deeply committed to one another. For just a moment, I want to focus on the phrase ‘to be a grace-filled church.’

What exactly does that phrase mean? It means we are to be a channel of God’s love and grace, corporately and individually. God’s work within us is to clear a channel for His love and grace to flow through me into the lives of anyone and everyone we meet.

Stop for a moment and ask yourself, ‘Who can benefit from God’s love and grace through me right now?’ The answer might be a coworker, a neighbor, a spouse, a child, a grandchild, a fellow student, a stranger, the waitress that waited my table, the grocer who checked me out, or the person next to me at the gym. You don’t have to look very far to find someone in your pathway that needs a touch of love, a gracious word, or a moment of encouragement. God is full of love and grace, and He fills us with His love and grace to pass on to others.

Let these verses encourage you as you learn to live a grace-filled life:

• 2 Corinthians 3:14 But the people’s minds were hardened, and to this day whenever the old covenant is being read, the same veil covers their minds so they cannot understand the truth. And this veil can be removed only by believing in Christ.

• 2 Corinthians 9:8 And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.

• Numbers 6:24-26 May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace.

• 1 Corinthians 16:23 May the grace of the Lord Jesus be with you.

• 2 Peter 3:18 Rather, you must grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. All glory to him, both now and forever! Amen.

Second, it means that our words will build up, and not tear down. We will be slow to speak and anger, but quick to hear. We will not be judgmental. We will seek to understand before being understood. We will show compassion. We will promote obedience to the truth and forgiveness when it is disobeyed. We will balance grace and truth.

We do all things to the glory of God, and we believe all people matter to God, therefore must matter to us. So let’s not forget our Vision… to be a grace-filled church.

Blessings,
Mark "The Bru" Brunott

P.S. What is the condition of your heart? Is it hardened because of a past hurt or because you’re disappointed in God? Maybe you have experienced a spiritual dry-spell or a spiritual setback due to your circumstances. What can you do to reset and get your life back on track? Join me this Sunday at 9:15 or 11:00 and discover what God’s word has to say about resetting your heart.