Gracious… like God

(Luke 6:27-37) "But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, {28} bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you…

{32} "If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' love those who love them. {33} And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' do that. …

{35} But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. {36} Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.

How to recognize a gracious person

A gracious person shows kindness to those who don’t deserve it or can’t repay it.

A gracious person takes initiative to benefit others.

A gracious person overlooks and forgives offenses.

A gracious person thinks grace, not justice

Gracious Encouragement

DO (Proverbs 12:25) An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up. (Colossians 4:6) Let your conversation be

always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

DON’T (Proverbs 25:20) Like one who takes away a garment on a cold day, or like vinegar poured on soda, is one who sings songs to a heavy heart.

Grace = Forgiveness

(Proverbs 10:12) Hatred stirs up dissension, but love covers over all wrongs.

(Proverbs 12:16) A fool shows his annoyance at once, but a prudent man overlooks an insult.

(Proverbs 17:9) He who covers over an offense promotes love.

(Proverbs 17:14) Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out.

(Proverbs 19:11) A man's wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense.

How to recognize a gracious person

A gracious person shows kindness to those who don’t deserve it or can’t repay it.

A gracious person takes initiative to benefit others.

A gracious person overlooks and forgives offenses.

A gracious person thinks grace, not justice

God rewards graciousness

(Proverbs 19:17) He who is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward him for what he has done.

(Proverbs 22:9) A generous man will himself be blessed, for he shares his food with the poor.

(Proverbs 25:21-22) If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. {22} In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the LORD will reward you.

(Proverbs 21:21) He who pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity and honor.