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- Apr 25, 2006
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God, the Gracious Giver
Scripture Reading — 1 Peter 4:8-11
Each of you should . . . serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.
— 1 Peter 4:10
I recently met up with a group of friends I’ve known for many years. During our meal together we laughed at some funny stories and sympathized with some difficult ones, and at the end of the evening we hugged each other before going our separate ways. We are all grateful for one another, having been there for each other through both joys and sorrows.
A common thread in the fabric of our relationship is that grace abounds in all the interactions we have with one another. The term grace has several definitions, but in this situation I would define it as “a courteous goodwill that is unmerited.” In other words, it involves compassion and kindness over anything else.
Now, it should be said that even though grace abounds in our group of friends, that doesn’t mean we don’t disagree with one another at times. Yet no matter how challenging a disagreement can get, our friendship remains because grace continues to lead the way.
Gracious Father, thank you for the abounding grace you provide in our lives through your forgiveness in Jesus Christ. Help us to extend that grace to others, whether they be close friends or new acquaintances. Transform us into a people who lead with grace each and every day. For Jesus’ sake, Amen.
About the author — Ben McKnight
Ben McKnight was born and raised in the West Michigan area. He has been married to Kayla for 14 years and has been a dad to Leo for almost five years. After graduating from Calvin Theological Seminary in 2017, he served as a pastor in Grant, Michigan, until spring 2021. He then served as a chaplain for a year at a local retirement community, and then with ReFrame Ministries’ advancement team. In spring 2024 he transitioned and began serving as the pastor of a church in Cedar Springs, Michigan.
Scripture Reading — 1 Peter 4:8-11
Each of you should . . . serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.
— 1 Peter 4:10
I recently met up with a group of friends I’ve known for many years. During our meal together we laughed at some funny stories and sympathized with some difficult ones, and at the end of the evening we hugged each other before going our separate ways. We are all grateful for one another, having been there for each other through both joys and sorrows.
A common thread in the fabric of our relationship is that grace abounds in all the interactions we have with one another. The term grace has several definitions, but in this situation I would define it as “a courteous goodwill that is unmerited.” In other words, it involves compassion and kindness over anything else.
Now, it should be said that even though grace abounds in our group of friends, that doesn’t mean we don’t disagree with one another at times. Yet no matter how challenging a disagreement can get, our friendship remains because grace continues to lead the way.
Gracious Father, thank you for the abounding grace you provide in our lives through your forgiveness in Jesus Christ. Help us to extend that grace to others, whether they be close friends or new acquaintances. Transform us into a people who lead with grace each and every day. For Jesus’ sake, Amen.
About the author — Ben McKnight
Ben McKnight was born and raised in the West Michigan area. He has been married to Kayla for 14 years and has been a dad to Leo for almost five years. After graduating from Calvin Theological Seminary in 2017, he served as a pastor in Grant, Michigan, until spring 2021. He then served as a chaplain for a year at a local retirement community, and then with ReFrame Ministries’ advancement team. In spring 2024 he transitioned and began serving as the pastor of a church in Cedar Springs, Michigan.
