Our young daughter has always preferred sleeping flat on her stomach and without a pillow. But last winter she developed a sinus condition, and the only way she could stop coughing during the night was if she placed her head on a pillow and slept on her side. Six years of lying flat on her tummy without a pillow had become a habit, however, and she would stay in that raised position for only a few moments before wriggling down and sleeping on her stomach.
Habits that we should change take time and intentional action to stop. In our instant-gratification culture, however, we often expect to see immediate positive results. Sometimes we lose patience with those who have come to believe in Jesus but still are dealing with bad habits. We support them for a while, but it doesn’t take long for us to place premature or misguided expectations on them.
The Israelites habitually grumbled against God and disobeyed Him so badly that He almost wiped them out (Numbers 14:11-12). Moses reminded Him that He is slow to anger, filled with unfailing love, forgiving every kind of sin and rebellion (Numbers 14:18). Although the people of Israel rebelled against the Lord and His chosen leader, Moses pled for their lives and God did forgive them—even though the hard-hearted generation never saw the Promised Land (Numbers 14:20-23).
God was gracious to the Israelites and He’s gracious to us. The apostle Paul reminds us to be gracious to each other—tenderhearted, full of mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, making allowance for each other’s faults, and forgiving as the Lord has forgiven us (Colossians 3:12-13).
When we remember how God has shown grace to us, we’re able to show grace to others, loving and forgiving as we journey with each other in harmony (Colossians 3:14-15).
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: 1 Samuel 10:1-27
More:
Read Ephesians 4:1-16 to see the good habits Paul tells us to develop.
Next:
To whom do you need to extend grace today? Why is it so important for us to deal with our bad habits?
Gene on March 24, 2014 at 7:43 am
It’s nearly impossible for me to fathom the depth of God’s grace and mercy to us. His greatness compared to our weaknesses and shortcomings. Yet, we are to follow in His way and to do the same for others around us…and starting with ourselves. Thanks, Ruth, for the reminder to show grace to others.
Tom Felten on March 24, 2014 at 10:47 am
Ruth, I’m reminded of this passage: “Peter came to him and asked, ‘Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times?’ ‘No, not seven times,’ Jesus replied, ‘but seventy times seven!’ ” (Matthew 18:21-22). As we forgive others we imitate the amazing grace God has poured out on us!
Ruth O'reilly-smith on March 25, 2014 at 12:27 am
When we contemplate the full reality of our need for God’s grace and forgiveness, we become less judgemental of and far more gracious towards others. I’m also reminded of Matthew 7:2 For you will be treated as you treat others. The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged.
Winn Collier on March 30, 2014 at 8:12 pm
I’m glad the bad habits take time to be re-ordered. I know I’m still working on a number of mine.