No one is perfect; we all need grace; no one will always say or do the right thing; have mercy; remember love covers. We must remove our finger from the trigger of snap judgments as to why someone reacted the way they did or said what they said. There are many variables that make up a persons life. Sometimes people will act out of character; extend grace, remember where you came from, remember who they are.

I was reading James 5:19-20 today in the Message translation and it reminded me of how in church we try to act so perfect and yet fail so often. We need to be gracious with each other, no matter how strong someone may be they have weak moments, they have struggles, they are human just like you and just like me. Listen to what James says, “My dear friends, if you know people who have wandered off from God’s truth, don’t write them off. Go after them. Get them back and you will have rescued precious lives from destruction and prevented an epidemic of wandering away from God.” When we see someone who is “off” our job is to lead them back not push them away further.

One thing I have learned from walking with God is that He always corrects us up, He does not rub out nose in our mistakes. He wants to lift us up and out of whatever situation we have gotten ourselves into. Friends, we must do this for one another. We must show each other grace, we must extend a hand to those who are struggling, we must keep our eyes wide open, for there are many who have fallen into pits of shame, sin, struggles and they don’t know how to get out. Love lifts others up does not push them down when they fall, stumble or struggle. There is a lot going on we know nothing about, show grace, it will give people what they need to get back in the race. Grace is the empowerment to succeed.