My husband and I left shaking our heads. The checklist for getting our driver's license was frustrating because no matter how carefully we tried to follow the instructions, the officials nit-picked our attempts or asked for a bribe.  

As we returned week after week, my resentment grew for the officials. Why couldn’t they just do their jobs? Why were they so corrupt? 

Have you ever struggled to show grace to someone? 

The apostle Paul did.

On one of their trips, Mark deserted the group, but now he wanted a second chance. Paul and Barnabas quarreled over his return and split. Paul refused to take him and took Silas, while Barnabas extended grace and included Mark (Acts 15:36-41).  

Grace is showing kindness to others even when they don’t deserve it. It treats others the way Jesus does. 

Grace-giving people speak carefully, offer second chances, forgive frequently, and display compassion. They realize how much grace God gives to them and want to extend the same to others. 

“Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.” Colossians 3:13 

My husband and I finally got our driver’s license after six months. I learned to bite my tongue while the Lord developed my character and taught me about grace. 

As we encounter others around the world in government to team members, may we extend grace to them because that is what Jesus does to us.