Grace is not opposed to effort; it is opposed to earning.

Our tongue is small but our words are powerful. The words we use can really hurt or bless and encourage the world around us.

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness, And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

“In order to communicate rationally and successfully with anyone, you have to make sure they’re regulated, make sure they feel a relationship with you, and only then try to reason with them.”
—Dr. Bruce Perry

All the believers were united in heart and mind. And they felt that what they owned was not their own, so they shared everything they had. The apostles testified powerfully to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and God’s great blessing was upon them all. There were no needy people among them, because those who owned land or houses would sell them and bring the money to the apostles to give to those in need. —Acts 4:32-35, NLT

Loving people requires practice. It takes perseverance, patience and perspective.

I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep. - John 10:14-15

“Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.” —Matthew 22:36-40, ESV

Expect opposition. It comes in a voice, a person or temptation.

Identify the need God is revealing, investigate to understand the best approach for meeting the need, collaborate to accomplish what God is asking of you and persevere when you encounter resistance!