“So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It’s your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it.” (Colossians 3:12-14, The Message).

I read something today that was a good reminder — no one was ever argued into a change of heart. Also, it’s not your job to monitor everyone else’s behavior and keep them in line. What God calls us to more than anything else is to be experts at showing grace.

The ultimate display of grace came from Jesus throughout the course of His entire life, but especially on the cross when He was dying for His enemies, forgiving the ones who murdered Him, and making a way for us to know and love the very God we’d rejected.

We’re most like Jesus when we choose to forgive. We’re most like Jesus when we respond to angry words with kindness instead of reacting with more angry words. We’re most like Jesus when we point people to God and show them a better way to live. And how cool is it that Jesus could point to God by pointing to Himself?