When God’s grace fills your life  - you become increasingly less petty.

Think about this!  Let’s not limit grace to Christ. We, you and I, can learn to be just as gracious as He. Not just in the big things, the great acts of compassion but in small ways as well. Here are four practical expectations you can anticipate as you grow in grace.

First, you can expect to gain a greater appreciation for God's gifts to you and others. What gifts? Several come to mind. The free gift of salvation. The gift of life. The gift of laughter, of music, beauty, friendship, and forgiveness. Those who live in His grace and claim the freedom God offers gain an appreciation for the gifts He gives.

Second, you can expect to spend less time and energy critical of the choices others' make. Wouldn't that be refreshing? When you get “grace” - you become increasingly less petty. You allow others room to make their own decisions in life, even though you may choose otherwise.

Third, you can expect to become more tolerant and less judgmental. Externals will not mean as much to you. You'll begin to cultivate a desire for authentic faith rather than endure a religion based on performance. You will find yourself so involved in your own pursuit of grace, you'll no longer lay guilt trips on those with whom you disagree. And Yes! I can disagree with you and still love you!

Fourth, you can expect to take a giant step toward maturity. As your world expands, thanks to an increase in your understanding of grace, your maturity will also enlarge. Before your very eyes, you will see life differently, “His mercies will be new every morning.”   It will be so transforming, you will never be the same.  Who wouldn’t want that?  God’s grace changes everything.