Giving Grace

1 John 4:20
"Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen."

To be honest I woke up this morning feeling completely defeated. I went to bed on a spiritual high from my quiet time and woke up feeling exhausted and stressed. I wondered to myself how does the enemy do it? How does he come in and create worry and doubt before I've even opened my eyes. Now don't worry I know that life can be a struggle and that not everything around us is the enemy trying to kill,steal,and destroy, but it's Wednesday. For those of you who don't know today is the first day of youth for 2014 and the enemy is at his games again. Wednesdays, because of youth, are the days I find myself at spiritual warfare duking it out with the enemy for my sanity and clarity as the day progresses. So what does that have to do with giving grace? Well on days when you find yourself under attack remember that the enemy comes in all shapes and sizes. He can be a hurtful word from a best friend, or a nagging since of doubt that can't be shaken. As the enemy attacks we as imperfect beings will become irritated and frustrated and in that state the door for hurt and bitterness can be opened. So remember to give grace. When someone hurts you remember that they too are at war with the enemy. Don't allow anger or hate to come in and distract you from God's presence in your life. Be aware that the enemy can cause blinders to be put up and he can use insecurities as weapons against you. Being vulnerable and loving even during a battle will allow other's to see God's love. By giving others grace when you are frustrated is the best way to show them Jesus in you. Think about it, Jesus, even though he was perfect, felt human emotions and anger is a human emotion, but what made him perfect is how he handled it. He didn't get mad, he didn't say something hurtful back, he simply loved people because he knew his father loved them. So my challenge for you today is to give grace, give it even if you think they don't deserve it. Allow yourself to love on others and you will be amazed on how much God will pour his love onto you. Remember the best way to battle something evil is with something good. The enemy is fueled by hate so extinguish him with love. Be who God has made you to be,a loving daughter or son he made is his image. By showing love and giving grace you bring heaven to earth and let's be honest we could all use a little taste of heaven.