January 28: Grace Shared
In the Kingdom of God, grace is both a gift and a trust. While the world often views gifts as personal treasures meant for individual enjoyment, Scripture reveals a deeper, communal purpose. Paul, writing from prison, captures this essence in Ephesians 3:1-2. Here, he reminds us that divine grace entrusted to us is for the benefit of others. Just as a conduit channels water, we are called to let grace flow through us, nourishing the lives around us.This stands in stark contrast to human inclination which leans toward hoarding resources for personal security and lifting oneself up as superior. Yet, God’s grace, perfectly exemplified through Jesus’ life and sacrifice, calls us to share abundantly with humility and selflessness. As Jesus washed the feet of His disciples (John 13:14-15), so our acts of grace should reflect humble service, stirring righteousness in the shared life of believers.
Embracing this calling requires choosing dependency on God over self-reliance, trusting that through our stewardship, others might also be strengthened to walk in righteousness and experience the transformative power of grace.
# Biblical Points:
1. Grace as a Stewardship
Scripture: “Assuming that you have heard of the stewardship of God’s grace that was given to me for you.” — Ephesians 3:2 (ESV)
Reflection: This verse highlights that grace is not only received but managed. As stewards, we are mandated to wisely distribute God’s grace, which powers its intended impact in others’ lives.2. Grace Multiplied Through Service
Scripture: “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.” — 1 Peter 4:10 (ESV)
Reflection: Peter reinforces that our gifts are for mutual edification. In sharing grace through service, we model Christ’s love, multiply His impact, and interweave His holiness into everyday interactions.3. Sufficient Grace for Every Need
Scripture: “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’” — 2 Corinthians 12:9 (ESV)
Reflection: Paul’s testimony acclaims that grace meets our needs most profoundly in weakness, inviting us to rely on God. This vulnerability encourages genuine fellowship and community-building through shared struggles.# Reflection Questions:
1. Why might we naturally resist sharing the grace we’ve been given, and how can Scripture counteract those impulses?
2. What gifts have you received that can be utilized to bless and serve those around you in your community or church?
3. How does viewing grace as a stewardship challenge your current understanding of individual success and achievement?# Memory Verse:
“But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift.” — Ephesians 4:7 (ESV)# Closing Encouragement and Prayer:
May you embrace your role as a steward of God’s grace, allowing it to overflow into the lives of those around you. Remember, greatness in the Kingdom is found not in self-preservation but in serving others with humility and joy. As grace transforms and encourages you, may it also plant seeds of righteousness in those you touch. Heavenly Father, empower us to be generous conduits of your grace, reflecting the love of Jesus Christ. Equip us to serve, so that in our humility, your strength is made perfect. Amen.- 1 Reply
Trusted
Kingdom Pioneer God grants more grace to those who are humble. As stated in James 4:6, grace is not a static virtue; it is dynamic and can be given in varying measures. It can be multiplied and distributed. One way to increase grace is to adopt a posture of humility and service towards others. Instead of hoarding, we should strive to be channels of God’s grace to our community. Lord, help me to keep this admonition in my heart and mind always. Amen.
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