Because of “this grace in which we stand” (Romans 5:2) grace is the element in which we live. Grace is not just the diving board that launches us into the swimming pool, grace is also the pool into which we dive. As you live in grace, communing and walking with your Creator/Redeemer, his truth, power, and presence transform you at the level of affection and attitude. That is why striking statements in Scripture that, under the sun seem rather idealistic, can be practically true.
“Whoever abides in him does not sin” (1 John 3:6) – by grace abide in Christ;
continually be at home in his presence.
“Walk in the Spirit and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh” (Gal. 5:16) – by grace let the Holy Spirit transform your life as you are sensitive to his illumination and direction.
“You will know the truth and the truth will set you free” – by grace abide in his word; let his word
dwell in you richly (Col. 3:16); hide it in your heart (Ps.119:11).
Because we have been lavished with grace in order to live in grace, we can be dispensers of grace, “so that as grace extends to more and more people it may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God” (2 Corinthians 4:15). Grace is like the mustard seed that grows and multiplies. The idea that it “extends to more and more people” assumes human activity. By God’s grace we can live the gospel in the tenor of the beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-12) so that grace spreads in the human community. This is the only way to make sense of and find purpose in the difficult life of a broken creation.
With a challenging colleague, in God’s grace anchor your attitude and relationship in the character and purpose of Christ. In your neighbor’s physical suffering, through God’s grace, come alongside to lament with perspective; help maintain a view of the big picture and embrace the brokenness as an opportunity for joy. For the friend in emotional distress and weakness, lean with them into God’s gracious embrace. For those experiencing loss and hardship, through your settled satisfaction and freedom point them to the riches of God’s grace lavished on us. Living in grace means that with the eye of faith you can see beyond immediate trials to a higher purpose and ultimate good.
Such grace extended will “increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God.” Gratitude is the antidote for self-preoccupation. We need more of it in the human community, and if we want to see it, we need to extend grace to more and more people.
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