The buds upon the twisty brown branches had exploded into a symphony of crisp green leaves. They shimmered in the high noon sun, swaying lightly in the breeze. Their majestic presence caught me off guard for only yesterday they were nearly unseen. Or, at least I thought they were unseen. Did only my eyes miss their brilliant transformation?

I have a vivid memory of a time shortly after I had dedicated my life to Jesus. In conversation with the youth pastor from our church, I asked how we would be able to identify the Holy Spirit at work within our mind and emotions. I sat and listened as He talked with his hands sermonizing the fruits of the Spirit, as well as the characteristics of Christ that begin to transform the soul changing a person from the inside.

And it wasn’t long before I encountered a situation where I needed to make a choice to either react in my flesh or respond in my Spirit. The memory is so vivid for it was grace that I chose to give to a person who had offended me greatly. It was giving that person undeserved favour that allowed me to forgive the transgression against me. And It was grace that opened my eyes to be able to see the pain tucked deep into the heart of another.

Each of you has received a gift to use to serve others. Be good servants of God’s various gifts of grace.
1 Peter 4:10

When we pursue a personal, raw, and intimate relationship with Christ, He infills us with His presence allowing us to experience His character. When we experience the character of Christ it leaves a lasting impression and mark upon our soul. And soon we begin to crave the perfection of His presence longing to be more like Him. By the power of the Holy Spirit, we must seek and ask for the Lord to make our character more like Christ’s character and less of the sinful self we were. Like I missed the gentle unfolding of the buds on the trees, we might not fully acknowledge the budding of these characteristics within ourselves. But others will notice the brilliant transformation.

Bestowing grace upon others is a visible, tangible, life-changing evidence that Christ truly exists. It bears witness to others allowing them to see that transformation by the Holy Spirit is real. So, when we are faced with an offence, a transgression, or a flat-out sin committed against us, we must call upon the Lord to infill us with His Spirit so that we may extend the same grace He lavishly poured out upon us to others.

And the more we seek and pray, the more His characteristics become our characteristics. The more we crave the perfection of His presence. Less of us, more of Him.

Father, when I am hurt, when I am faced with an awkward or painful situation, help me to help others by offering the same grace you have given to me. I know that I am not perfect nor will I ever be, but by your power allow me to be a witness to your perfection. In Jesus name, amen.