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Aug 12, 2024 06:00am

Responding with Grace

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Shocked. Blindsided. Betrayed.

This is the situation I found myself in. Without notice, a storm was raging and I was right there in the downpour.

I wanted my side to be heard. I wanted the truth to be told. I wanted to defend myself. This was an attack.

For a brief moment, the thought crossed my mind – it’s all about perspective. I could see this for an attack and engage in war, or I could see this as an opportunity to respond in grace.

The opposition was fired up, fueled by anger and hostility. As the accusations spewed forth, I just sat and listened. When it was finally my turn to speak, I reminded myself to remain calm and keep in mind, there was more at work here than what “meets the eye”.

As I walked away, I wasn’t ashamed of anything I said or how I reacted. I had done my best to respond with a gracious spirit, no matter if it looked like they had won the battle.

I kept doing what I knew I was called to do.

Acts 5:32-41

“When they heard this, they were furious and wanted to put them to death.
34 But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, who was honored by all the people, stood up in the Sanhedrin and ordered that the men be put outside for a little while.
35 Then he addressed the Sanhedrin: “Men of Israel, consider carefully what you intend to do to these men.
36 Some time ago Theudas appeared, claiming to be somebody, and about four hundred men rallied to him. He was killed, all his followers were dispersed, and it all came to nothing.
37 After him, Judas the Galilean appeared in the days of the census and led a band of people in revolt. He too was killed, and all his followers were scattered.
38 Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail.
39 But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.”
40 His speech persuaded them. They called the apostles in and had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.
41 The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name.”

Rejoicing! How incredible is that? The apostles could have fought back. They could have hurled insults and gotten physical with them, but instead they spoke merely what the Lord instructed them. Even though they were beaten for it, they went away seeing this as an opportunity.

They could have quit. They could have thrown in the towel and said, nope, we’re done.

But they didn’t.

“42 Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Messiah.”

When you are faced with adversity, what’s your first reaction?

Our emotions can range from one end of the spectrum to the other. But if we stop for a second, and consider our perspective, it could change the whole thing. This could be an opportunity.

Think about Paul. He was thrown in prison for preaching the gospel, but did that stop him? No, he used that time to write letters to churches, encouraging them in the faith and instructing them. He rejoiced that he had the opportunity to reach the lost even behind bars.

Think about Christ Himself. Beaten, ridiculed, betrayed, ordered to be crucified and what was His response? For much of it, He was silent. But the truth was there and it was so evident to one man, that he, even though he was a criminal hanging next to Jesus, he believed that Jesus was the Savior. And Jesus accepted Him into His kingdom.

And to His accusers and executioners, He said “Father, forgive them.”

The Lord knew that His suffering would bring about our forgiveness and redemption.

Do we consider suffering or persecution a blessing and honor? These apostles did. Maybe you’re in a situation right now and need a new perspective. How can God use this moment and your reaction to further His kingdom? Will your response be a testimony of Christ’s Holy Spirit?

Love
Joy
Peace
Patience
Goodness
Kindness
Gentleness
Faithfulness
Self-Control

Let the Holy Spirit guide you as you navigate this situation and respond with grace.