22nd July 2023

A gem of grace

Reading the Bible can be like mining for treasure and it’s great when we discover something new or see a verse in a new way. We also have the benefit of the labour of other Christians who have dug deeper for insight. In Christ, all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden (Colossians 2:3), so when our mining efforts are productive, it’s as if Jesus hands us a gem of his grace. 

The latest gem he gave me came from a devotional and it has become my prayer as I continue on the path of apprenticeship to Jesus. “Lord, teach my tongue to speak with love, my ears to hear with compassion and my heart to respond with grace.” If you’re like me, you may have noticed none of these come naturally, and this prayer begins with an important word: teach. We need to be taught and we have to be willing to learn. Using this as a breath prayer throughout the day reminds me that I can’t do this on my own. 

Speaking with love, hearing others with compassion and responding to them with grace are things I must learn and who better to teach me than Jesus, the expert in all three? 

May we continue to stay attuned to him and keep learning to be like him in his love, compassion, and grace.

Study by Tammy Tkach

First published on 27 June 2023, at www.gemsofgodsgrace.wordpress.com

About the writer:
Tammy Tkach is the Assistant Pastor of the Eugene, Oregon, USA congregation. She is a speaker and writer, and publishes a blog at www.gemsofgodsgrace.wordpress.com  

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