But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.~ 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV)
I must admit I am my harshest critic at times. When things are going well, I often find a way to look for improvements that can still be made. My unrealistic pursuit of perfection leaves me drained and not fully able to celebrate my small victories or progress. God’s grace is available to cover my sins, mistakes, and shortcomings. That is good news for you and I! When I fall short, God’s grace is sufficient in my weakness. Why is it so hard to give myself the same grace that God does? Are you struggling with giving yourself grace? Life is not a perfect line from A to Z. Many changes, interruptions, and detours pop up along the way. We all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.
God’s Grace is Greater
Remember, though, that mistakes will happen, but also remember that God’s grace is greater. During the moments when you fall short, God wants you to depend on Him all the more. Don’t retreat away from Him but come even closer to Him, with a humble heart. He desires to show you that He is your loving Father who can help you change. Living a grace-filled life requires humility and commitment each day.
Give Yourself Grace
Due to His great love for you, God teaches, shepherds, and directs you with loving kindness, patience, and grace. In order to move forward and trust that God is in control, it is important to forgive yourself first. Each new day provides a new opportunity for you to start again, having learned from the lessons of yesterday. Celebrate what is going well, and give yourself permission to not have it “all” together. This transformed way of thinking will help free you from the bondage of your past mistakes.
Forgive yourself, and walk in freedom.
Forgive yourself, and forgive others.
Forgive yourself, and receive the beautiful gift of God’s grace.
Forgive yourself, because no one is perfect.
Forgive yourself and embrace the lessons you learned.
Forgive yourself so that generational strongholds will be broken.
Forgive yourself, because Jesus already forgave you when He died on the cross for your sins.
Friend, I invite you to give yourself more grace today. Give yourself grace for the endless piles of laundry. Give yourself grace for the harsh word that you said in frustration. Give yourself grace for the project that has to be delayed yet again. The good news is that God’s grace frees us to pause, breathe, and tell ourselves, “I’m ok and there is another opportunity to start again.” Grace is a gift from God that cannot be worked for, outperformed or bought. Receive God’s grace today so that you may experience the abundant life God wants for you.
I invite you to pray this simple prayer today:
Dear God, thank you for your grace that You have given to me as a free gift. Help me to receive your grace each day and be gentle with myself when things don’t go as planned. Help me to celebrate the progress that You empower me to have each day. Thank you that your love for me is not dependent on any performance, but of who I am in You. In Jesus’ name,
amen.
Reflection: What is one area that you can receive more of God’s grace today? Pray to God for guidance.
We welcome you to visit Kirstyn’s blog at www.kirstynspeakshope.com or connect with her on IG at @kirstynsmayden
Kirstyn Mayden is a Christian blogger who writes devotionals that empower and equip believers in their everyday lives. She is a wife, Mom, and loves Jesus. She is also a contributor for Beloved Women, Bible Study Tools, and iBelieve. She is the founder of Worthy Girls, Worthy Lives, an empowerment program for adolescent girls in Baltimore. Connect with Kirstyn’s blog here.
Read Kirstyn’s articles HERE.
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