What is a community of grace?
A place where all people are welcomed and blessed, no matter who they are, what they are like, what they have done or not done, or how they stand in relationship to God.
Jesus models this with His disciples, a motley crew of followers from a variety of backgrounds – spiritual, social, moral, personality type.
To be part of a community of grace is wonderful, but to be a community of grace is difficult.
Grace is undeserved blessing, which sounds so nice when applied to us, but is so much harder when applied to people that annoy us, or offend us, or mistreat us, or take advantage of us.
Does being a community of grace mean that we are nice, respectful, patient with everyone?
What about speaking the truth in love, providing accountability, gentle rebuke?
When is it time to say something about someone’s unhealthy or harmful behaviours?
What does being a grace community look like in this specific instances:

• Someone who is loud, obnoxious, full of themselves, and talks your ear off?
• Someone who does not show up to fulfill a church role, without letting you know?
• Someone who makes foolish choices, and asks for help with the consequences?
• Someone who never helps with anything, but is always ready to complain when things go wrong?
• Someone who is always right, and very opinionated?
• Someone who always changes the conversation to be about themselves?
• Someone who lives a lifestyle that is morally disturbing to you?
• Someone who smells, has obvious personal hygiene issues?
• Someone who is always down, and brings you down when they talk to you?
• Can you think of other examples?

Have you experienced a community of grace?
How would your describe a community of grace?