The new book, Grace under Pressure, released last week! In chapter one, I briefly discuss four types of grace. Several people have expressed interest in exploring the types of grace more. Today, let’s look more closely at sanctifying grace.

Sanctification refers to God’s grace at work within us so we can live holy lives. Holy living is not perfect living – none of us can do that. Holy living is walking in step with the Holy Spirit and producing the fruit of the Spirit: “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control” (Ephesians 5:22-23). Those are words of grace.

Unconditional love is grace. When you love someone in spite of their faults, that’s grace!

Patience is grace. You know as well as I do – it’s hard to be patient. A prayer that never works – “God gives me patience … and give it to me right now!” When we’re patient with others, we’re showing them grace.

Self-control is grace. You may feel like blowing up at someone who has angered you. But when you keep a lid on your anger, you’re demonstrating grace.

All of these acts of grace, although they’re your actions, are God working in you and through you. “For it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13) By God’s grace, we can be graceful toward others and give witness to His power in us!

For reflection:

Which fruit of the Spirit would you most like to exhibit today?

Find out more about Grace under Pressure by clicking  here!