2 Timothy 2:1 You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
The command here is to "be strong." This Greek verb is in the passive voice, so it's more accurately translated, "Let yourself be strengthened" or "be empowered". In other words, we don't get strong by trying harder or drawing from our own strength. Being strong in this sense is not a matter of gritting our teeth and flexing our biceps. This kind of strength comes from outside of ourselves; it comes from the grace found in Jesus Christ. God's grace is a kind of catch all phrase for everything God offers to infuse into our lives.
Every person's life is like a power tool with an electrical plug. When we're plugged into Jesus Christ and his resources, those resources flow into our lives to empower us to do what we could not do on our own.
Love people who are EGR's (extra grace required)
Patience when we're frustrated
Courage when we are fearful
Forgive those who hurt us
Strength to move out of our comfort zone and take a risk for the kingdom
All these things are grace gifts from God. When I am not plugged into God's grace, I don't have these grace resources. When I am not plugged in I am also saying that I am sufficient in my own resources. It takes humility to admit that I don't have the strength for life. But when I admit my weakness that is when I find God's strength.
You have heard of the Golden Rule, "Do to others as they do to you." Because of the super abundance and strength of God's grace we now live by the Platinum Rule, "Do to others as Christ has done to us." With his grace strengthening and empowering us we are sufficient for even the most difficult assignment.
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