Grace, in human relationships

Undeserved favour or kindness, mercy, compassion and generosity are to be found in human relationships and are strongly encouraged in Scripture.

Examples of grace in human relationships

Ruth 2:10; 2 Samuel 9:1–7; Acts 28:2 See also Genesis 33:8–11; Joshua 2:12–14; 1 Samuel 15:6, 1 Samuel 24:18; 1 Kings 2:7; Psalm 37:25–26; Acts 4:8–10; 1 Corinthians 4:13

At this, she fell on her face, bowing low to the ground, and said to him, “Why have I found such favor in your eyes that you should take notice of me, even though I am a foreigner?”

Then David asked, “Is there anyone left from the house of Saul to whom I can show kindness for the sake of Jonathan?” And there was a servant of the house of Saul named Ziba. They summoned him to David, and the king inquired, “Are you Ziba?” “I am your servant,” he replied. So the king asked, “Is there anyone left of the house of Saul to whom I can show the kindness of God?” Ziba answered, “There is still Jonathan’s son, who is lame in both feet.” “Where is he?” replied the king. And Ziba said, “Indeed, he is in Lo-debar at the house of Machir son of Ammiel.” So King David had him brought from the house of Machir son of Ammiel in Lo-debar. And when Mephibosheth son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, came to David, he fell facedown in reverence. Then David said, “Mephibosheth!” “I am your servant,” he replied. “Do not be afraid,” said David, “for surely I will show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan. I will restore to you all the land of your grandfather Saul, and you will always eat at my table.”

The islanders showed us extraordinary kindness. They kindled a fire and welcomed all of us because it was raining and cold.

Grace in relationships encouraged

Luke 6:27–28 parallel Matthew 5:44 See also Proverbs 14:9; Romans 15:7; Philemon 1:14

But to those of you who will listen, I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.

Grace in relationships expressed as mercy and compassion

Ephesians 4:32 See also 2 Chronicles 10:7; Zechariah 7:9; Matthew 9:13; Hosea 6:6; Matthew 18:32–33; Luke 10:36–37, Luke 17:3–4; Romans 15:1–2; 1 Peter 3:8; Jude 1:22

Be kind and tenderhearted to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you.

Grace in relationships expressed as generosity and kindness

Deuteronomy 15:10–11 See also 1 Samuel 25:8; Psalm 112:5; Proverbs 11:25–27; 1 Corinthians 10:24; 2 Corinthians 9:11–13; Galatians 6:9–10; 1 Timothy 6:18; 2 Timothy 2:24; Hebrews 13:16; 2 Peter 1:5–7

Give generously to him, and do not let your heart be grieved when you do so. And because of this the LORD your God will bless you in all your work and in everything to which you put your hand. For there will never cease to be poor in the land; that is why I am commanding you to open wide your hand to your brother and to the poor and needy in your land.