Give Yourself Grace
This is what I told one of my Co-workers half way through our first week of actual teaching. As teachers, one could imagine how virtual teaching is very new and different for everyone. She had more on her plate than the rest of the team and was being hard on herself. She was very kind and apologized (when she didn’t need to). I told her this is new, stressful, and she needed to give herself grace.
Are you? Teachers definitely are stressed right now. So are y’all and the rest of the world. After this first week of school, I have been told thank you for your patience with parents. Parents have apologized and have been frustrated. They are amazing as well, as they tackle partnering with teachers in a new way. Especially parents who have several kiddos in school with different schedules. GIVE YOURSELF GRACE.
What does God Say….
If God doesn’t withhold grace from us, we shouldn’t withhold it from ourselves.
16 “From his abundance we have all received one gracious blessing after another.” John 1:16
8 “God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. 9 Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.” Ephesians 2:8-9
He pours out his blessing on us over and over again, whether we realize it or not. Whether we take that moment to see it. We truly don’t deserve grace. That’s what grace is, a gift we don’t deserve. God gave His only son as a gift of grace to save us from our sins. We cannot work or earn such a gift, it is freely given.
The Bible gives so many verses on grace, it’s clear to see God’s passion for it. He wants so very much to give it to you. Don’t hold it back from yourself or others.
Love Others as Yourself
It may seem like it’s easy to give grace to others but not yourself. Let me tell you, I know exactly what you mean. By the grace of God through me, I can give grace to others, but often withhold grace toward myself. We are our own worst critics. I often feel terrible about messing things up that effect other people. I can tell my co-worker to give herself grace but hold onto messing something up for days.
It’s great how God intentionally words the second greatest commandment:
31 “The second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’[a] No other commandment is greater than these.”’ Mark 12:31 NLT
When we love ourselves, we take care by eating, resting, loving, and knowing what we need. In order to give others grace, shouldn’t we know what giving ourselves grace is like? If we can give grace to others, we should be able to give grace to ourselves. (Trust me, I am speaking to myself). Sometimes, it’s not easy because we know our hearts.
Challenge: Embrace Grace
Let’s say it feels like you are not doing enough or you messed up. Give God the guilt and embrace His grace. We don’t deserve it but He is still willing to give it, all you have to do is reach out and take it. Let it wash over you and give you peace. When you feel like you messed up for the last time, take that deep breath and think I may not have it all together but…..
9 “Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9
God’s grace is all you need. He takes our weakness and gives us strength and grace.
Giving yourself grace does mean we can mess up but it also means to keep moving forward. It is not a free pass to do whatever you want but when you fall down, get up. And when you get up, you can know that you are strong with grace.
So for all the Parents, students, teachers, and those hard on yourself. GIVE YOURSELF GRACE!
Do you accept the challenge?
Here are a few questions that will get you thinking more on God than on your failings.
- Have you been able to give others grace and not yourself?
- What have you been carrying around that you need to give yourself grace for?
- How can you accept God’s grace and still aim to do better?
- How can you love yourself like you love others?
- Take a moment and write how God has been using you this week with your family, friends, or with your co-workers. Pray over this and thank God for His grace.
I pray over this blog and that you will be filled the Grace of God.
–LOVE, Amber