Recently I’ve been sharing about my one word for 2018—“grace!” But sharing about it versus living it out is so much easier to say than do. That’s why I really want to nail it down biblically, so that I increase my tendency to be gracious in every circumstance—including and especially in my marriage.

My hope is that you can glean some practical and biblical ways to become more gracious in your own life and marriage from my process, as well as utilizing the tool that I’ll be sharing below for anchoring your own “one word.”

After all … [bctt tweet=”God’s grace can bring so much healing to our marriages and hearts, if we will let His grace flow. #graceheals” username=”BethSteffaniak”]

As I mentioned, the first place I want to look to for insight on how to be more grace-filled and grace-giving is the Bible.

Here are 24 ways I’m striving to show and grow in grace this year …

1. Grace is expressed through my spiritual gifts (1 Peter 4:10).

So I will …

• Share my writings and thought processes on grace with others.
• Write love and “grace” letters to my hubby at least once-a-month.
• Ask God to use all of my spiritual gifts to bless my husband and others.

2. Find God’s grace whenever I’m humble (James 4:6).

So I will …

• Take captive prideful and angry/entitled thoughts.
• Replace these thoughts with Bible verses I memorize—meditating on them in my moment of need.
• Apologize quicker.
• Ask God daily to give me a sober view of my abilities and talents.
• Avoid arguing my point—especially with my hubby.
• Avoid criticism as much as possible.

3. It is tied to being generous with others (2 Cor. 8:7).

So I will …

• Show grace (patience, forgiveness) to my husband (in particular), even when he and others do not show it to me.  See my last post on this.
• Give/show grace whenever I’m tempted to complain or ruminate.
• Offer encouraging words/actions to my hubby (and others) more this year than last.

4. Grace enables me to persevere in weakness and trials (2 Cor. 12:8-9).

So I will …

• Seek Christ’s strength—not relying on my own—to persevere during setbacks and suffering.
• View trials as opportunities to grow in God’s grace.

5. It strengthens my heart (Heb. 13:9) when I approach the “throne of grace” (Heb. 4:16).

So I will …

• Be more prayerful, especially in key moments of need and weakness.
• Recognize Christ is in me and He is the King of all grace!

6. I find grace as I get to know God and His ways more (2 Peter 1:2).

So I will …

• Learn more about God through His Word, prayer and worship.
• Memorize and meditate on Scripture (I’m going to at least memorize Heb. 4:16, Ps. 139:23-24, and James 4:6 this year).

7. I defile and hinder grace in my life when I harbor bitterness (Hebrews 12:15).

So I will …

• Continually/daily seek God’s examination of my heart (Ps. 139:23-24).
• Confess any bitterness or anger the Lord reveals to me—seeking His cleansing.
• Rest more in God’s protection and care when mistreated.

8. My conversations can and should be full of grace (Col. 4:2-6).

So I will …

• Bathe my words—especially questionable ones—in prayer before speaking.
• Be more diplomatic and gracious in what I say and how I say it.
• Hold my tongue whenever I can’t do this! 😉

Each one of these measurable actions/attitudes adds up to 24 ways that you and I can show, grow in, and receive more grace!

Download and print out my—“One Word Tool”—so that you can biblically anchor and clarify your efforts to live out your one word in 2018 (whether it’s “grace” or not).

There’s one more thing that I would add to this process and my points above. I would encourage you to find someone to hold you accountable in the area and actions you hope to increase and improve in.

If you’re brave enough, ask your accountability partner (best if it is a same-gender partner, or spouse) to ask you about your progress once-a-week on a certain, agreed-upon day. If once-a-week is too often, adjust based on your routines and responsibilities without losing the momentum consistent accountability brings. Sending a quick text or email can be just as effective too!

I hope you’ll also let me know how it’s helping you and your relationships (particularly your marriage), and I’ll share how I’m doing with mine as well! #stayintouch

[bctt tweet=”Let me know how you’re doing on your ‘one word’ and I’ll pray for you, as well as sharing how I’m doing with mine! #accountability” username=”BethSteffaniak”]

My next post will be, “4 Reasons God Does Not Want You to Marry Your Soulmate.” I hope that statement is intriguing to you and brings you back to MM, because I sure like seeing you at my door!

 

What is one measurable and obvious way you are living out your “one word” or 2018 resolution?

 

How do you think being more grace-filled and grace-giving would improve your marriage and relationships?

 

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Here are some lovely linkups I join – Inspire Me Monday, Moments of Hope, Literary Musing Mondays, Dream Together Linkup, Jennifer Dukes Lee, Glimpses Linkup, Tune in Tuesday, Break Through Homeschooling Linkup, Coffee for Your Heart, Sitting Among Friends, Faith and Friends, Fresh Market Friday, and DanceWithJesusFriday

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