Keystones of Faith Episode 19: Grace for Others

 

Key Scripture - Colossians 4:6: "Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt." 

Introduction

Welcome to Sacred Sobriety: A Path for the Soul. 

I am glad you are able to join in our discussion as we continue to journey through the Keystones of Faith: Courage and Wisdom for Christians in Recovery. If you are new to this - know that you are right, where you belong - a place about healing and transforming our hearts and minds through hope and faith because of Jesus Christ. 

Today is day 19, and our focus is on "Grace for Others." This is a big one for many of us in recovery. Our anchor scripture is Colossians 4:6 where the apostle Paul is writing how we are to allow our speech to be consistent with grace, seasoned with salt. Knowing that grace is God's unmerited favor toward us, and Paul is sharing with us how we are to allow that same grace overflow in how we speak and interact with others. 

For many of us walking a path of recovery, thriving in sobriety, and living a mindful crucified life through Jesus Christ - grace may feel challenging and life-changing. It is about how we choose kindness over bitterness, patience over frustration - especially when our pasts hurts may still be raw. Yet, there is good news: When we extend grace, it does not merely bless others, it heals us as well. Today, I want to discuss what this type of grace looks like, maybe share some personal insights and experiences from my own life and find practical ways to live this out going forward. 

Keystones of Faith - Devotional

Reflection

Grace is the divine endowment God bestows upon us - an unmerited favor we are summoned to mirror in our relationship with others. The Apostle Paul exhorts us in Colossians 4:6 to allow our speech to overflow with grace, seasoned with the salt of wisdom and love. This is no mere suggestion, it is a call to embody kindness, understanding, and forgiveness in every word we utter, even amidst the tempests of human frailty. To speak with grace is to offer a gift that reflects the heart of Christ, transforming the mundane into the sacred. 

Our culture is either prone to sharp tongues more and more or to refrain from speaking in an assertive manner for correction, proper criticism, and even refutation and rebuke. The act of extending grace stands as a bold countercurrent. It demands that we rise above personal wounds and see others through the eyes of divine compassion. Grace-filled conversations is not weakness; it is strength because it is a deliberate choice to sow seeds of healing and reconciliation. It pierces the darkness of resentment, offering light to both the speaker and the hearer, and paves the way for restored relationships in our society that is so desperate for redemption. 

This charge to extend grace weaves seamlessly into the Biblical principle, and teaching, of forgiveness and boundaries. Forgiveness unshackles us from our past. Boundaries safeguard our souls. Here, grace emerges as the vital thread linking forgiveness and boundaries where we are enabled to engage others with a heart that is both tender and wise. It is the bridge over which forgiveness travels and the garden where healthy interactions flourish. 

Many of us are continuing the arduous path of recovery, extending grace is both a crucible and a catalyst. Recovery often lays bare the scars of broken bonds and buried hurts, making grace a challenging and yet essential spiritual discipline. To choose grace in speech and deed is to nurture one's own healing while cultivating a sanctuary where others may find peace. This very act allows us to become conduits of God's restorative power, turning chaos of past pain into a testimony of present hope. 

Scripture abounds with echoes of this truth. Ephesians 4:32 gives us this insight, "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you," revealing grace as the offspring of divine forgiveness. likewise, Matthew 5:7 declares, "Blessed are the merciful for they will be shown mercy," unveiling the sacred rhythm of grace - given and received. These verses illustrate how grace is not a mere solitary act. It is a living cycle, drawing us closer to the heart of God and one another. 

Recovery Focus

Take a moment and consider someone who may need grace from you. How are you able to show kindness to them today/ Perhaps a gentle word, a listening ear, or a moment of patience may be the grace they are craving - and the grace that heals you in return. 

Prayer

Lord, thank you for making me a vessel of Your grace so that I am able to extend grace to others. As I heal through your mercy and grace, let my words and actions carry your love, and my heart reflect your mercy so that I may honor and glorify You in all that I say and do. In Christ's name, Amen

Wisdom

The depth of our grace toward others reveals the depth of our grasp of God's grace towards us

Showing Grace for Others

Colossians 4:6 is our anchor verse for today's devotional and message. It is a call for each of us to "always be full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone". Yes, Paul is writing to the gentile Christians at Colossae - however, the verse speaks unto us today. Grace in our conversation means our words are to carry kindness, wisdom, and love - not judgment, criticism, or harshness. 

This seems to be a lost art as our society and culture, specifical online through social media conversations, where quick tempers and snap judgments are all too common. Choosing grace becomes quite a radical concept. And no, it is not about pretending everything is fine - it is about speaking truth with love, reflecting God's heart. And for many of us who are in recovery - and specifically, those who are healing from emotional abuse due to co-dependent and toxic family environments where quick tempered judgments and criticisms was a common form of communication - this hits home. 

As we are progressing in our own recovery path, we are healing from those things that have wounded us. Healing from broken relationships, or dealing with shame, guilt, and past regrets. Extending grace is tough and difficult for anyone to understand, let alone show in our relationships and conversations. However, learning how to extend grace to others is quite a game changer. 

Grace ties into the nature of forgiveness and what we are called to do, "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you." (Ephesians 4:32). And the Savior taught, "For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly father will also forgive you" (Matthew 6:14). Forgiveness is how we are able to free ourselves from any shame, guilt, resentment, and bitterness - not excusing what those said or did that may have caused harm. Also, grace influences how we are able to establish and maintain healthy boundaries where our sense of peace is protected. Grace, therefore, becomes the very heartbeat of forgiveness and boundaries in our walk as Christians, and for those growing in Christ through their own recovery path. It allows for us to walk in forgiveness without losing ourselves and love others while we are maintaining healthy relationships. It is the bridge to healing and reconciliation when we make amends - unless to do so may cause further harm. 

As previously mentioned, Paul writes to the Christian Church in Ephesus regarding how we are to be kind, to be compassionate, forgiving one another, as God has forgiven each of us through Christ. Our grace flows from the very sovereign Grace of God. This is enlightening given the Sermon on the mount where Christ taught on the beatitudes: "Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy (Matthew 5:7). In our faith, spiritual walk, and recovery, this because a cycle where we give grace and are open to receive grace as well. To put it in simple terms of what our Savior taught - "do unto others as you would have them do unto you" (Matthew 7:12). 

Grace is not a weakness; it is strength where we choose to sow healing instead of resentment. In recovery, this is powerful - it turns our pain into purpose and builds a foundation for restored relationships. So, as Christians who are in recovery, grace is not just "being nice" it is essential for personal, spiritual, and relational growth. 

Grace Heals and Restores - Does not Fix

There is so much regarding grace that many of us may not comprehend or even understand. For me, it is coming to understand how Grace operates more toward healing and restoration rather than fixing. Here is what I mean. 

Healing: Is about the recognition and validation of personal pain, guilt, shame, or regrets. Whether it is pain we may have caused, the shame behind that pain, or the regrets of past decisions we made (or had wished we made); or if it is because of the resentment toward others who have caused pain. Recovery focuses our attention on what we are capable of doing in relationship to healing. And this comes by way of submitting ourselves over to the care of God and find healing through the atonement that Christ provided for us. This is an ongoing change - whereas fixing focuses more on the immediate and temporary reparation. Healing also recognizes and reaffirms our sense of wholeness through Christ where we are complete and set free (John 8:36). 

Restoration: Is the journey of rebuilding, renewing, and sometimes, enhancing what was lost or broken. This concept is tied to the biblical principle of reconciliation. It is God's desire to restore broken relationships and bring healing into our own lives. Reconciliation and restoration are principle truths woven throughout scripture, illustrating how God's grace and mercy are transformative - a call for each of us to embody in our own lives. (See, The Power of Reconciliation and Restoration at Bible Hub). The other principle of healing and restoration focuses on the Spiritual healing through God's sovereign grace where we are "made whole and renewed in [our] relationship with God" This involves God forgiving of our sins, emotional healing by the renewing of our mind (Romans 12:1-3), and restoration of one's spiritual vitality (See, Spiritual Healing and Restoration at Bible Hub). 

Let's consider the following examples. These do not represent real people - however, they may speak to your present circumstance and situation: 

• A woman shares with her recovery group: "I struggled to forgive my mom after years of chaos from my addiction. I was so angry. Yet, one day, I sat down and wrote out a letter - not expecting anything back - simply sharing my progress and willingness to let go of my bitterness, resentment, and the shame and guilt I had carried with me all these years. My mom did not reply back, however, I did feel lighter and relieved. I pray for her and know that God's grace did not fix my relationship with my mother - it freed me to focus on my recovery and relationship with Christ." 
• A gentleman shared with his group the challenges he faced with sexual integrity issues: "After relapsing multiple times, I was too ashamed to face you guys. I was not being open, honest, and transparent with myself and others who are my accountability partners. However, my sponsor met me with grace. He did not judge me, condemned me, nor criticized me. I was expecting a lecture from him. Instead, he embraced me and sat with me, listened, and asked how he is able to help me keep going. This moment turned me around and not being ashamed or walk in fear of judgment." 

This is the power of Grace. It does not mean a perfect ending, it means we are liberating ourselves, through Christ and our faith in Christ, from carrying the hurt, the anger, the bitterness, and all of that. Grace becomes the anchor for us where we are not ignoring the struggle - we are looking forward with faith and expectant hope of healing and restoration. 

Practical Personal and Spiritual Applications for Recovery

How do we live out grace every day? Here are some steps I recommend for those who are struggling in their recovery, faith, or simply living in sobriety:

Take a moment to consider someone who may need your grace. Maybe it is someone who you may have harmed because of something you said, did, or even did not say or do. Maybe you judged them, criticized them - or snapped back in an emotional reactive temperament. What is one kind thing you are able to do for them today? Maybe speak in a gentler and kind tone? Perhaps offer a sincere and genuine apology without engaging in storytelling or simply listen to someone without offering any unsolicited advice. 

Next, utilize the following prompt to write in your journal: Write about a time someone showed you grace. How did it feel at that time? How are you able to share this with someone else where you are showing them grace? 

Another idea is to practice active listening. In your next conversation, really listen and hear the other person. Not to react or respond. Not to interrupt and offer unsolicited advice (never should on someone). And do not rush them. It is a simple way to show grace. And always ensure you are engaged in the spiritual discipline of scripture reading, meditation, and prayer. Spend a few minutes to pray and thanking God and intercede for those who may have harmed you - or caused an offense. Maybe seek wisdom and insight in how to seek forgiveness when you have caused an offense or harm. 

Grace is not a one - off: it is habitual. Always start small and allow God to influence and direct your path so that His grace grows within you so that you are able to walk in grace with others. It is a divine gift that keeps on giving - toward others and to your own healing, forgiveness, and restoration. 

Questions to Ponder and Reflect

Here are some questions that may spark some reflection on your part: 

1. What is the toughest part of extending grace toward yourself? 
2. What is the toughest part of extending grace toward others? 
3. How has grace helped you, or how do you see walking in grace help, in your own recovery path and spiritual growth? 
4. What is one way you may show grace throughout today and throughout the week?

Grace helps us overcome our own limitations, weaknesses, and barriers in living out a thriving and mindful crucified life - where we are of a sober mindset. 

Closing Thoughts and Call to Action

Here is the takeaway from today's devotional and message: The depth of our grace toward others shows how deeply we've grasped God's grace for us. So, throughout today, and throughout the rest of this week, look for those opportunities to extend grace. It is a step toward healing for you and those around you. 

This community thrives on your voices, so please do not hold back. I'd love to hear from you regarding today's devotional and message. What's your own personal experience with grace? drop your thoughts, or even ask a question related to this devotional and message, in the comment section. I will be reading and replying throughout the day and week. 

Let's close with prayer: 

Lord, thank you for your grace that never runs dry. Thank you for transforming us into vessels of your sovereign grace as we continue on our path of recovery and spiritual growth. Let your grace continue to heal and transform us - restoring us in a continual right relationship with your Son, Jesus Christ, and with others. Let our words be compassionate, seasoned with salt where we carry your love. Thank you for filling our hearts and minds with wisdom and truth as our hearts reflect Your mercy. Let my life continue to shine in Your Light as I live to continue to bring you Glory and Honor in word and deed, Jesus name, Amen."