Grace That Preserves and Transforms
Sunday Rewind is a 5-day Devotional based on the weekly sermon at Resonate Community Church
January 18th Sermon, Day 4
Grace is one of those words we use so often in church that it can lose its power. But when we really understand what grace means—unearned kindness—it revolutionizes how we communicate.
Grace means dealing with others the way God has dealt with you: patiently, mercifully, truthfully, lovingly. Think about that for a moment. How has God spoken to you in your worst moments? With condemnation and harshness? Or with truth wrapped in love?
Grace-filled speech doesn't mean watering down truth or avoiding difficult topics. Jesus was full of both grace and truth. But grace affects how truth is delivered. It's the difference between a surgeon's careful incision and a butcher's hack. Both cut, but one heals while the other destroys.
When our words are seasoned with grace, they preserve relationships even in difficult moments. They make people thirsty for more—not more of us, but more of the hope we have in Christ. Grace-filled words leave people feeling valued, even when they've been challenged.
People can sense when we genuinely care about them versus when we just want to win an argument. Grace makes our conversations compelling because it reflects the heart of God. In a world full of harsh, cutting words, gracious speech stands out like a lighthouse in a storm.
Remember: you were likely changed by someone who listened to you, cared for you, and spoke truth to you with compassion. Now you have the opportunity to be that person for someone else.
Bible Verse
'Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison—that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak. Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.' - Colossians 4:2-6
Reflection Question
Who in your life spoke truth to you with such grace that it drew you closer to God, and how can you offer that same gift to someone else?
Quote
Grace actually means unearned kindness. It means dealing with other people the way God has dealt with you. Patiently, mercifully, truthfully, lovingly.
Prayer
Jesus, thank You for the grace You've shown me—unearned kindness that has transformed my life. Help me to extend that same grace to others through my words. May my speech be seasoned with Your love and point people toward You. Amen.
