How To Give Grace To Others When It’s Hard And Painful

Have you ever wondered how to give grace and be kind to others even when it’s tough and hurts?

Giving grace can be a challenge, but in this blog post, we’ll explore simple ways to do just that. Let’s dive in and learn how to extend grace when it’s hard and painful.

What Does It Mean to Give Grace to Others?

Giving grace isn’t complicated.

It’s showing compassion, kindness, and love, even to those who might not appreciate it or have wronged you.

Think of it like this:

In the Bible, there’s a story about Noah. People were doing bad things, and God was upset. But instead of punishing them right away, He showed grace. He told Noah to build a huge boat and warned everyone about a big flood. He gave them a chance to be safe. Sadly, many mocked Noah and didn’t accept the help.

There are more examples of God being kind in the Bible:

• In the story of Sodom and Gomorrah, God looked for just a few good people to save the city.
• In Moses’ story, God showed grace to the Israelites even when they disobeyed.

Giving grace is summed up in a Bible verse: “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:21). It’s about being kind even when it’s tough.

Why Extend Grace to Others?

There are many reasons to extend grace.

God’s love for us is immense. He sent His son, Jesus, even when the world didn’t love Him back. God’s grace can touch our hearts, no matter how cold they seem. Everything good we have is thanks to God’s grace, from our achievements to daily blessings.

Because of who God is and what He wants for us, He asks us to show grace. To forgive, love, and be kind, even when it’s tough.

When we give grace, it comes back to us, helping us grow in our faith.

I used to believe in ‘an eye for an eye,’ but in my darkest time, God’s grace and people’s love saved me. It taught me the value of grace.

We shouldn’t give grace for something in return. We do it because God shows us love daily. Each morning we wake up is grace.

Driving to work or having money for the bus is grace. To be better, not bitter, we must extend the grace God showed us through Jesus.

What the Bible Says About Grace

The Bible teaches us a lot about grace, a crucial concept. It’s about showing unconditional love to others, no matter how they treat you.

Even before we were born, God showed His love through Jesus Christ, who died for our sins.

Here are some Bible verses about God’s grace:

• 2 Corinthians 12:9: God’s grace is sufficient, and His strength is made perfect in weakness.
• Romans 11:6: We’re saved by grace, not works.
• Ephesians 2:8-9: We’re saved by grace through faith, a gift from God.
• 1 Peter 5:10: God’s grace makes us strong.
• 2 Corinthians 9:8: God’s grace empowers us for good works.
• Hebrews 4:16: We can find mercy and grace in times of need.
• Ephesians 1:7: Through His grace, we find redemption and forgiveness.

Giving grace means allowing ourselves and others to grow as God’s works in progress.”

How To Give Grace To Others:

1. Giving Grace Through Forgiveness

Forgiveness is a powerful way to give grace, even to those we feel don’t deserve it. The Bible teaches that forgiving others connects with God’s forgiveness for us. This link between forgiveness and grace can transform lives.

But, forgiveness can be tough. When others hurt us deeply, it leaves lasting scars. However, when we choose to extend grace by letting go and forgiving, we experience liberation and freedom.

We release the weight of resentment, guilt, and shame, allowing us to move forward with joy and peace.

Sometimes it takes time to forgive.

Personally, it took me five years to forgive my ex-husband and his friends after a difficult time in my life. It was painful, but it freed me from bitterness and restored our relationship.

Extending grace through forgiveness is an essential part of giving grace to others. It’s a transformative journey that requires strength, perseverance, and reliance on God’s grace.

Through forgiveness, we not only free others from their mistakes but also ourselves, becoming who God intended us to be.

2. Using Your Words To Give Grace

Our words have a profound impact on others. We must learn to give grace through our speech, even in tough situations.

Proverbs 15:4 says, “Gentle words bring life and health; a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.” What we say can uplift, inspire, or wound and discourage. People remember how our words make them feel.

When faced with hurtful actions, our natural response may be retaliation. But God calls us to respond differently—with love and kindness, even when it’s hard.

Our ability to extend grace through words can profoundly impact those around us. You might be the only “Bible” someone reads, showing them God’s love and grace.

Let’s use our speech to encourage, uplift, and empower others. By giving grace through our words, we spread God’s love and create positivity in others’ lives.

3. Giving Grace To Others By Letting Go

Letting go is a transformative act of grace, allowing us to extend compassion to others, even in challenging circumstances.

In our journey of giving grace, forgiveness is crucial, but so is letting go. Many of us hold onto past hurts, grievances, and negative experiences. We need to release and let go as an act of grace.

Letting go means not taking everything personally, understanding that people have unique perspectives.

Philippians 2:3 encourages us to value others above ourselves, fostering empathy and grace.

I recently learned this when a friend’s struggles affected our relationship. Releasing my negative thoughts brought relief and improved our connection.

Letting go may be painful, but clinging to negativity is worse. By embracing release, we create space for healing, growth, and meaningful connections.

It’s not weakness but a testament to our willingness to extend love, forgiveness, and compassion.

Giving grace requires letting go, allowing grace to flourish. Letting go fosters an environment where grace can thrive, leading to healing and reconciliation.

Romans 12:18 urges us to live at peace with everyone, and through the power of release, we can genuinely give grace, fostering harmony and transformative healing.

Embracing Grace:

In our quest to give grace when it’s hard, let’s remember our unique calling as Christian women and as ministry wives. We’re tasked with embodying Christ’s love and grace, even in tough situations.

The path of grace isn’t always easy, but it’s truly life-changing.

By forgiving, speaking kindly, and letting go, we create a space for grace to thrive, healing to happen, and relationships to mend.

Let’s be women who strive to emulate Christ, extending grace even when it’s tough.

In doing so, we not only mirror His love but also find joy and freedom in a grace-filled life.

Dear wives, keep giving grace, and may your journey bring transformation that glorifies God and illuminates the world.

All my love,