Grace For The Pace Series

*We receive Vertical Grace –rel. w/ God; We relate Horizontal Grace – rel. w/ people

*You’re either a grace giver or a grace killer (do you distribute it or expect it?)

- I’m afraid the world isn’t as interest in Christ because of Christians… “soured”

- Churched have a “Let me out” attitude – instead of creating a “Let me in” appetite

- There are a few things I’m really glad that God did not call me to do/be: Painter, Roofer, Subway sandwich maker, Referee (Why the last two?) ungrace

**Ungrace:

1 Comparing – sizing others & ourselves up – 2 Corinthians 10:12

* we set up “normal” and pity the soul outside our box!

* Feeds the fire of envy, jealousy, suspicion, depression…

2 Criticizing – when we get our tongue involved with envy, jealousy, suspicion, depression Ephesians 4:29 (powerful tool, not a weapon)

* Ill. – English gamecocks – allowed in same cage – killed each other – Figured they should know they are on the same team

3 Controlling – some aren’t strong enough to resist the people trap and some of you know it Hebrews 12:28-29

* Manipulating and intimidation – motivating with pressure, fear, guilt

* Serve God out of respect and love – not because we must

**Grace:

1 Accepting others as they are Romans 12:9-18 (verse 10,16)

* “It takes grace to let others be!” Do we base our acceptance / love on a set of expectations…who they could be, should be, ought to be, will be? It’s hard to do – because compaining is so easy… I can, why can’t you? /I did, why don’t you?

2 Allowing God to work Romans 14:5-8

* Why do we think it’s okay to condemn and antique and judge…isn’t that God’s territory? God did not put us here to be His minister of wrath… but of grace – of love!

3 Assuming nothing for anyone Romans 14:10-12

* We show our immaturity when we our so selfish as to control – seeking a position to dominate / regulate

* “Each member (church / marriage) must be so full of grace – as to give himself to the other without hesitation.”

Greek mythology: Traveler, Ulysses, challenged to hear the Sirens Song…successful plan…haunted by her sound! Yet another, Orpheus – when traveling too close – overcome her with a song of his own

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