Being in Step with God

Probably the thing most needed and least activated in all qualities of life in the world today, is a small, five-letter word—grace. Every human being needs grace, but so little of it finds its way into the human experience. We are so quick to criticize, even if we do not really know all the facts. We can’t seem to let others have their space. Society seems to strive and thrive on getting everyone else to be “just like us.” And we aren’t shy about letting the other guy know that we want to be correct—we want to be right.

If we can’t be right, then we’ll stay and argue with you about it. An interesting take on the need to be right, when in a potentially confrontative conversation? If you know you’re right, there’s no reason to argue. If you’re wrong, you shouldn’t be arguing, because you’re wrong! So you see, there should never be an argument. The idea here is that arguments happen, because people feel the need to have their viewpoints validated by others in discussions. This attitude displays the axiom that states: “I am more interested in being your friend than being right.” This approach provides you with the mechanism for showing grace in perhaps a potentially relationship-busting situation.

We can all identify with times in our lives where situations required us to show grace to others. Be it while driving a car, having to wait for an attendant in a fast food restaurant, or forgiving a spouse, parent or child. These are times when showing grace to the person should come easily, automatically, because surely Christ has shown us His Grace. But sadly, from personal experience I know, people don’t always model grace-like behaviors.