Living in the Garden of Grace: Spreading the Word
Inspired by Kuykendall’s “Living in the Garden of Grace”
"I have sent Timothy to you, who is my beloved and faithful son in the Lord, who will remind you of my ways in Christ, as I teach everywhere in every church."
— 1 Corinthians 4:17
The Apostle Paul’s ministry was marked by an unwavering commitment to spreading the life of grace. Wherever he went, whether publicly or from house to house, Paul proclaimed the whole counsel of God, reminding believers of their identity in Christ and their participation in His death, burial, and resurrection.
Paul’s passion was not to keep this truth to himself but to spread it like seeds cast across a field. He sent Timothy to the Corinthians not with a new message but to remind them of what Paul lived and taught everywhere: that their lives were now hidden in Christ, the true source of all life and transformation.
The Overflow of Grace
Imagine a river that has overflowed its banks. The water spreads far and wide, saturating the land, bringing life to every dry and barren area it touches. In the same way, when we live out of the fullness of Christ’s life within us, His grace naturally overflows to those around us. It’s not forced or contrived; it’s a natural outpouring of what we have already received.
Paul understood this. He knew that when believers grasp their union with Christ, they not only grow in their walk with the Lord but also become conduits of grace to others. This is how the gospel spread across Asia during Paul’s ministry—not through programs or strategies but through believers living in the overflow of the life of grace.
The Call to Remind and Share
As those who have experienced this life of grace, we are invited to do the same. We don’t need to invent something new or strive to be extraordinary; we simply remind others of what we have learned: that we are in Christ and He is our life. This is the heart of discipleship. As we respond to the Holy Spirit’s prompting to share the message of grace, we participate in the ongoing work of revival—transforming lives, growing the church, and meeting the deepest needs of believers.
A Confident Prayer
Father,
Thank You for the overflowing river of Your grace in our lives. You have already equipped us with everything we need in Christ to share this message with others. We trust that as we live in the abundance of Your life, You will use us to remind and encourage others. May Your Spirit lead us to share this life of grace boldly and freely, trusting You to bring fruit from the seeds planted. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Final Thought
The life of grace is not something we hoard—it’s something we share. As Paul faithfully reminded others of their life in Christ, so too are we called to let the grace we’ve received flow freely, bringing life to everyone it touches. Like a river in overflow, let us saturate the world with the reality of God’s abundant grace.