Many of us learning about grace come from strict religious backgrounds and struggle to adopt grace-filled principles into our lives and behaviors. It can take years to adjust our thinking to what we have come to believe.
But many of us have no idea what a grace-filled life should look like or how we apply it to our day to day lives.
Here are some of the benefits and applications you’ll likely notice in your life as a result of God’s grace.
If I fully understood grace I would,
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Be less strict with myself. If I made a mistake I wouldn’t treat myself harshly.
Matthew 11:28-30 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
James 3:17 “But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.”
Hebrews 5:2 He is able to deal gently with those who are ignorant and are going astray, since he himself is subject to weakness.
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If I had a bad habit, I would still try to conquerer it, but I would be more patient and not overly strain myself. Instead of burning myself out in fear and frustration, I would ask for God’s help and wait for Him to accomplish that change in my life through the Spirit.
Psalm 127:1-2 Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain. 2 It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep.
Philippians 2:13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.
1 Timothy 1:16 But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life.
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I would still have the courage to ask things from God even though I feel like I’ve disappointed him.
Ephesians 3:12 In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.
James 1:5 you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.
Hebrews 4:16 Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
Hebrews 10:19 Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus…
Hebrews 10:22 let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.
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I would live to please God rather than please man. I would have the courage to question duties and behaviors I was taught. If I’m not under grace and unsure of myself, I would accept whatever the church demands. Do they want me to read my Bible everyday? God wills it! But if I understand grace, then I realize I’m ok even if I don’t do all those things. And that gives me room to decide what’s best for me. Should I read my Bible every day or a lot every few months? I’m not merely doing things because it’s expected. I’m choosing to do things that benefit my life
Matthew 23:4 They crush people with unbearable religious demands and never lift a finger to ease the burden.
John 12:43 for they loved the approval of men rather than the approval of God.
Galatians 1:10 For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ.
Colossians 2:16 16 Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day.
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I would learn to love and accept where I am flaws and all instead of trying to fix every problem I find with myself and that makes it easier to accept and love others with their failures with the love God wants me to show.
1 John 2:1 My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.
Romans 5:1 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand.
Ephesians 4:32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
Romans 3:9,20 For we have already charged that all, both Jews and Greeks, are under sin, For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin.
I have not perfected these traits. There are times I struggle with the legalistic side of me and shy away from God, am harsh or impatient with myself, and untolerant. But nevertheless, the message of God’s unfailing grace in the scriptures has brought this fruit into my life and it’s made life more peaceful, fun, free, and certain and brought a healthier and more fulfilling relationship with God. I still pursue the fruit of grace.
Galations 5:22-23 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
Have you seen this fruit in your life as you pursue grace? Let me know in the comments!