Giving Grace

Hey everybody! I am SO excited to introduce Aleeyah to you! She is today's guest writer on my blog and I believe that her message is going to speak life into your soul today and that God will use her words for good! Aleeyah is a good friend of mine! She is an author, singer, and lover of Jesus! Her instagram is down below if you want to follow her! Anyways, Aleeyah, take it away!

Do you ever just scroll through your social media and become overwhelmed with the negativity you see? Rude comments, the next celebrity gossip, headlines filled with drama? Sometimes it is even considered a trend to judge these people. But have we ever stopped and thought about who these people are, how they feel? Imagine waking up every morning, only to see that people are saying mean things to you...again.

Don’t get me wrong, social media can be a very positive place. From starting a business to meeting incredible people, social media is instant access to it all; which is why it is also so much easier to experience hate. I’ve seen the most negativity happen there. Hurtful words, unnecessary comments, and for what? We never truly know what’s going on in someone’s life, nor should that be the only exception for giving someone grace.

Every human we encounter is one of our brothers or sisters in Christ, therefore we should treat them as such. Our goal as Christians is to live like Jesus, through grace and compassion. Do you think Jesus would have insulted that woman, would have watched her from the sidelines?

For example, let’s look to the bible for the evidence. There was a woman who was a harlot, led a sinful life because she did not know God. One day, she was

dragged into the streets where Jesus was preaching. The crowd was riled up and ready to throw stones at her for her sins. When Jesus heard the commotion, he rushed over and delivered these words,“Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her.” (John 8: 7)

When we fill our hearts with negativity, we have no room for grace to come along with us. We must remember that our God does NOT condone wrongful judgement, gossip, nor hatred. So if you are feeling the need to do any of these things, just remember it was not sent by Him. As for our enemies, even those we do not agree with, we shall humble ourselves before the Lord and pray. Pray that whatever is hurting them, whatever is holding them back from their full potential shall be made known to God, so he may turn it into something good, in His perfect time.

So next time you receive negativity, just pass by it, or even feel the need to dish it out yourself, remember that these people have feelings just like you, hardships just like you, were made in the likeness of God’s image just like you. Whatever is truly in their hearts is between them and God. Giving those grace may be just enough for them to change for the better.

I can recall many moments I showed grace to strangers. One in particular took place at an old job I had. It was around 8pm on a Friday night. There was a homeless woman who had come in asking for help because she didn’t have anywhere to go, or anyone else to go to. My manager pulled me aside and told me to ignore her, assuming she just wanted free things. The lady stood outside sobbing, and my heart ached so hard for her. I was told to stay away, but the

Lord spoke to me in that moment, telling me to help her. I reached for my wallet and approached the cash register with a bottle of water in my hand. My boss looked devastated. “I will not let you buy that for her,” she told me. Gathering all my courage I replied,“That’s not your choice to make.” She rang me up and I ran outside to find the woman. I gave her the water and twenty dollars, since there was a restaurant across the street. She picked me up and spun me around, and then proceeded to tell me she was a recovering drug addict who found God and is now dealing with the aftermath of her addiction. I said a prayer for her and she was so happy that I didn’t turn her away like many others had. We parted ways, and I still think about her since. I know the Lord is guiding her home.

You see, Jesus wants us to show grace to those around us. Matthew 25:40 states,“Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me.” How we treat others should resemble how we treat Jesus. If you saw Jesus on the street begging for money, would you pretend he wasn’t there? Would you shame him?

Most of the time, our brothers and sisters are ignored, they are shamed, they are looked down upon. We must set a great example for those around us, and ultimately to those we help along the way. We just might be the only bible that person ever read. We were made to lead our brothers and sisters to heaven, through our words, through our actions, through love. I challenge you today to show someone grace. Through a smile, through a favor, through any way you can. “We can all do small things with great love.” -Mother Teresa

-Aleeyah Jade @aleeyahjades