Grace For The Churched

Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith.

Galatians 6:10

ISN’T IT AMAZING HOW hardened we can become toward our longtime Christian friends? When one of them offends us or slips into a pattern of sin, we often treat them with less grace than we would treat someone who is unchurched. Granted, a veteran believer should know better, but that doesn’t make the battle against sin any easier.

Scripture tells us that we should care for our fellow believers. As much as we should exhibit patience, kindness, and grace toward those who do not know Christ, we should also demonstrate these same qualities to those in the family of God. In fact, Jesus Himself said that our love for our fellow Christians would be a beautiful image for unchurched people to see (John 13:35). How Christians treat one another is a huge witness to a watching world. Love and grace are attractive—and unusual.

Perhaps our stingy expressions of grace stem from unhealthy expectations we have for our Christian friends. We may demand a level of perfection and sanctification from them that we don’t even demand from ourselves. We act surprised when they display human weaknesses. We may forget that (just like us) they need the gospel as much today as when they were first converted. No Christian ever advances to a state of perfect holiness in this life. It’s a struggle all the way through, but it’s a struggle made better in the presence of grace.

BOTTOM LINE

Don’t be stingy with the grace you show to fellow believers.

Moment of Strength: 1 John 3:18-20