Listen to this article
By Sharron Hudson, Colonel
This time of year we are reminded through advertisements, greeting cards and the social media that we need to honor grads and dads!
We have already received quite a few high school graduation announcements. It seems like we say the same thing: “I can’t believe it—time has passed by so fast. It seemed like yesterday when they were just babies” (Sniff, tear).
Time does get away from us and that is the reason we need to take advantage of every moment we have with our loved ones.
Recently my mom was promoted to Glory. At these times thoughts come to our minds like, “Did I spend enough time with them? And when I did, was it quality time? Did I call them enough? What were the last words I said to them?”
We could beat ourselves up with these questions, but then we remember—God’s grace. We are called to live a gracious life as God is gracious to us. Here are a few Scripture verses that tell of God’s graciousness toward us:
But you, O Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness (Ps. 86:15 NIV).
The Lord is compassionate and gracious; slow to anger, abounding in love (Ps. 103:8).
The Lord is gracious and righteous; our God is full of compassion (Ps. 116:5).
God is not only gracious to us, but also compassionate toward us. How much less shall we live through the Lord’s example? Our friends, loved ones, people we serve and anyone the Lord brings into our lives need to be shown grace and compassion. How do we do this? God’s Word tells us to live a transformed life of holiness demonstrated by the fruit of the Spirit found in Galatians 5:22-23: But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
Daily we need to ask the Lord how we may express these attributes to those around us—especially when we don’t feel like it! The Lord will give you the strength and grace as you aspire to live a gracious life. Just don’t let those moments get away from you—no regrets.
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