John 1:14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.

Jesus.  Full of grace and truth.  Grace is first.  Then truth.   What a kind God He is that He says first to extend grace and then to speak truth.

Oh man, It is not hard for me to think of all of the times that truth came out of my lips before grace ever did and for that I am truly sorry.   If you are a recipient of the “gift of prophecy” translating into harshness from my lips, please forgive me.    Pray the Lord will transform me into His image more and more each day.   Thank you.

There are few things in life that are going to change because we get upset about them, throw fits about them, demand for others to change so that things will line up with the way we think things should be.   Control is an absolute illusion.  God will have His way, no doubt.  We are called to live in peace-  not just with others but within ourselves.

And yes, what’s the other thing?  Grace and peace?   Yes, grace first and then comes peace.  Extend grace to yourself.   Extend grace to others.  Find peace in the fact that in the “eternal” scheme of things, God is going to have His way.   We don’t have to micro-manage.   We are called to love.

Love yourself through the eyes of the Lord-   loving eyes, exposing eyes, loving eyes.   And remember, it is a process, not an event.   We are imperfect people who are loved with a perfect love.  Rest in that knowledge and what will follow?  Grace.  Freedom to face the truth (and therefore see it) and peace (which surely comes from the truth setting you free) will follow.

Takeaway:   Grace and peace to you.  Learn what grace is and extend it to yourself and to others.    God is a God of grace.

Prayer:  Dear Lord, please teach me Your ways of grace and allow me to walk in it- towards myself and others.