Today's Insight - January 5/6, 2013

 

January 5, 2013   

Grace Unlimited 

by Charles R. Swindoll

Proverbs 3:34 NKJV 

 

My plea is that we not limit grace to Christ. We, too, can learn to be just as gracious as He. And 

since we can, we must, not only in our words and in great acts of compassion and understanding 

but in small ways as well. Let me describe four practical expectations you can anticipate as you 

get a firm grasp on grace. 

 

First, you can expect to gain a greater appreciation for God's gifts to you and others. What gifts? 

Several come to mind. The free gift of salvation. The gift of life. The gift of laughter, of music, 

of beauty, of friendship, of forgiveness. Those who claim the freedom God offers gain an 

appreciation for the gifts that come with life.

 

Second, you can expect to spend less time and energy critical of and concerned about others' 

choices. Wouldn't that be a refreshing relief? When you get a grasp on grace---when you begin to 

operate in a context of freedom---you become increasingly less petty. You will allow others 

room to make their own decisions in life, even though you may choose otherwise. 

 

Third, you can expect to become more tolerant and less judgmental. Externals will not mean as 

much to you. You'll begin to cultivate a desire for authentic faith rather than endure a religion 

based on superficial performance. You will find yourself so involved in your own pursuit of 

grace, you'll no longer lay guilt trips on those with whom you disagree. 

 

Fourth, you can expect to take a giant step toward maturity. As your world expands, thanks to an 

awakening of your understanding of grace, your maturity will enlarge. Before your very eyes, 

new vistas will open. It will be so transforming, you will never be the same.

 

Adapted by permission.  The Grace Awakening Devotional, Charles R. Swindoll, © 2003, Thomas 

Nelson, Inc., Nashville, Tennessee. All rights reserved. Copying or using this material without written 

permission from the publisher is strictly prohibited and in direct violation of copyright law.