When a teen’s behavior is way out of line, it’s easy to think he or she doesn’t deserve grace. But that may be exactly the right time to give it.

A biblical definition of grace is this: God’s undeserved favor and forgiveness when we’ve chosen to do the unforgivable. In human terms, grace is an act of kindness, love, and forgiveness in the face of bad behavior, poor choices, and yes, even a teen’s outright rebellion or rotten attitude.

So the next time your teen messes up, take a moment before you respond. Extending grace might not make you feel good. But grace given at just the right moment has the power to change the course of any struggle, and bring healing, peace, and restoration.

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