Lesson 18: GRACE
“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”
2 Corinthians 12:9
Grace is a gift. Grace cannot be bought. It is freely given by God to us. When we offer (give) our amends and expect nothing in return, that’s a gift from us to those whom we have hurt. We all tend to be more interested in what we do. God, however, is more interested in what we are. Our beliefs and values are seen by others (and by God) in our actions. That said, we must be careful that our walk matches our talk.
God loved us while we were still sinners. We can, in turn, love others because God first loved us. We can also forgive others because God first forgave us. Christ died on the cross so that all of our sins, all our wrongs, are forgiven. We can then rely on God’s strength and power to enable us to forgive those who have hurt us. We can set aside our selfishness and speak the truth in love. Everyone who has let Christ into their life is also a product of God’s grace. As we model this grace in our lives, we will be better able to do the work that Principle 6 requires.
“May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father encourage you and strengthen you in every good thing you do and say. God loved us, and through his grace he gave us a good hope and encouragement that continues forever.”
2 Thessalonians 2 :16
Recovery Reminder
Principle 6: Evaluate all my relationships. Offer forgiveness to those who have hurt me & make amends for harm I’ve done to others, except when to do so would harm them or others.
“Happy are the merciful.” Matthew 5:7
“Happy are the peacemakers.” Matthew 5:9
Step 9: We made direct amends to such people whenever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.
“Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.” Matthew 5:23-24
Upcoming Events
- Please note: there will not be a Leaders’ Meeting on Sept. 30th, as scheduled. Instead, it will be held on Saturday, October 13th from 9:30AM – 12:30PM. More details to come.
- CR Party on Friday, October 5th! All are welcome. Please email cr@stfchurch.com for more details & to RSVP.
LIFE
LIFE is our Celebrate Recovery-based middle school/high school student program, which meets during CR from 6:45-8:30PM.