By,
Karen M.Jantzi
Ephesians 4:29
29 Let not any hateful words come out of your mouth, but whatever is good and useful for improvement that you may give grace to those who hear,
NO. 2 - GRACIOUS
Sheila had such a full day ahead of her. Her kids had already given her a difficult time in the morning. She had left her cell phone on the kitchen counter and she had a surprise visit from her CFO she had not expected at work that morning. So, when her associate, Connie, asked her to go to lunch, she welcomed the invitation thinking it would be much needed relaxation and maybe even a little time to vent.
As they ordered their food and sat waiting in their much loved neighborhood diner, Sheila tried to unwind a bit before her meal came. That's when Connie began to share her heart with her. Out poured great hurt and turmoil that Connie was having at home with her husband. At first, Sheila thought "oh how perfect! Just what I needed today. More junk on my plate". But, at that moment the Spirit of God touched her heart and reminded her that she had made herself available to Him and He was allowing this moment so she could bring Connie closer to Him. He reminded her that Connie needed a loving, listening ear and He had made this time happen.
So, she switched gears, directed her heart and mind on Connie and opened her ears. She sat listening, not just hearing. And, as she did, her heart was filled with love and grace for Connie. She spoke words of comfort and grace to her friend with the gentle intent that Connie would turn her heart to seek God, ask for forgiveness of what she had done to complicate her problems in the marriage and ask God for healing and resolution to their conflict. Her words to Connie were soothing and offered hope and grace from the Lord.
As Sheila went to get her wrap from the coat rack, she realized how much better she felt. Her tension had faded! She was relaxed and at ease. It amazed her! What she thought was going to be draining was in fact life giving to her! The grace of God that she had extended to Connie that day had actually been a blessing to her.
When we apply the gifts God has given us, such as His grace, in our lives, we reap great rewards that would have never been ours without them. A good listener is the extension of God's hands in this world. It is a gift we give WITH GRACE to others, reflecting God's love and our love for others..
PRAYER: Lord, I thank you for your precious gift of GRACE in my life and I ask you to teach me how to share it with others. Make my heart willing under any circumstances to be gracious to others and please let your GRACE flow through me. I give you praise for loving us with all your life giving gifts. Amen!
Treasuring You Always,
Karen
Karen Jantzi, CPC/CMEC is the Founding President of Treasured Woman and the CEO of HAVEN Coaching and Consulting. She has a passion for helping women find a permanent sense of self-worth and value through living in the authority and love of Jesus Christ in their lives. She has been a business owner and executive for over 20 years and enjoys helping women bring life to their dreams of owning a business. As an author,, blogger and speaker, Karen shares her life changing story with women across the nation with the hope that they too will turn to Christ and live a life they treasure. Karen lives with her husband, is the mother of 5 and enjoys life on the Yough River not too far outside of Pittsburgh. You may contact her at 407-687-5988 or [email protected]