Reflecting Grace

Have you ever thought about how you treat yourself compared to how you treat your friends? It's a curious reflection. If we mirrored our self-treatment in our friendships, would they still thrive? Conversely, if someone treated us the way we treat ourselves, would we readily call them a friend? It's a thought-provoking perspective.

Personally, I find it challenging to envision maintaining a friendship with someone who replicates my self-treatment. Not that I intentionally mistreat myself, as I believe is the case for most of us. Yet, upon introspection, I realize I don't always extend the same grace to myself that I readily offer to others. Grace – that delicate, essential quality we all need to both give and receive.

In moments of uncertainty about extending grace to ourselves, turning to the example of Jesus can be illuminating. He embodies traits like gentleness, kindness, strength, discipline, love, patience, forgiveness, thoughtfulness, and so much more. Reflecting on His character can serve as a guide to nurturing confidence within ourselves.

Consider this simple exercise: who is Jesus is to you. What qualities define Him? As for me, I see Him as a gentle, kind, and strong presence, among other attributes. Now, as you acknowledge these qualities in Him, notice how they resonate within you. Perhaps you recognize these traits in yourself, or perhaps they represent aspirations worth cultivating.

I encourage everyone to take a moment to acquaint themselves with Jesus. In doing so, you might uncover remarkable insights about Him and, in turn, about yourself. It's a journey of self-discovery intertwined with growth, offering profound revelations along the way.