Extending Grace

 By: Paula Short

"The Lord bless you, my daughter," he replied. "This kindness is greater than that which you showed earlier: You have not run after the younger men, whether rich or poor." – Ruth 3:10, NIV

Ruth is a woman who extended grace to her mother-in-law, Naomi. Although Naomi encouraged Ruth to return to her family and seek out another husband, Ruth refused.

Instead, Ruth traveled miles with Naomi to help the older woman return home. But this was not enough. Ruth also went to the fields daily to collect food so she could support Naomi.

Ruth had no legal obligation to her mother-in-law. She could have left the older woman, but she chose instead to stand by her. She cherished her family and brought honor to her late husband by choosing to marry one of his relatives.

Ruth appreciated and cherished Naomi. The older woman upheld kindness, was trustworthy, and of moral integrity. 

Each of us knows someone who is always looking out for our best interests. Naomi and Ruth looked out for each other's best interests. We, too, should be on the lookout for the best interests of others, even when It's hard to do or seems unattainable.

What does it look like when we need grace? We need grace when we mess up, when we're overwhelmed, and when we've fallen short of God's expectations.

So how do we extend grace? Showing gratitude and forgiving are essential. We can also watch our tongue, listen and offer kind words, look for ways to do something kind, take an interest, and be present when someone needs support. It's also important to remember that the person is doing their "best" with the available resources they have to work with

How can we show ourselves grace? This is a big one for me; I struggle with showing myself grace big time. Some things I try to practice are; when someone is rude to me, letting it go, forgo negative or self-destructive thoughts about myself, thinking kindly of myself, showing myself compassion, forgiving myself, and asking for forgiveness.

Grace is something that is not earned. Grace is undeserved favor. You can extend this to yourself, just as you would anybody else. Sometimes showing others and ourselves grace is hard, and it may take time.

And that's okay.

Rest secure in the knowledge that God sees your kindness to others and yourself, and He will bless you—just as He did Ruth. 

Prayer, 

God, give me the courage to be loyal during times of hardship. Like Ruth, I want my actions to honor You. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Photo By: Jessica Anderson on Unsplash