Knowing God's Character: God is Gracious (Exodus 34:6)

How does truly experiencing God’s grace reshape the way we extend grace to others, especially the ones closest to us?

In this episode of 7 Minute Devotions for Busy Parents, host Christen Clark invites listeners into a fresh and honest reflection on grace and how God’s unlimited favor shapes Christian parenting, discipleship, and our daily family life. Christen shares personal stories, practical inspiration, and biblical encouragement that empower parents to nurture spiritual growth, extend kindness, and walk in faith and purpose even in the busiest seasons.

• [00:02:08] Exploring the depth of God’s grace and its relevance for raising Christian kids and fostering faith at home.
• [00:05:57] Applying grace in real-life family moments

Resources:

• Instagram: @7minutedevotions, @christenclark
• Family Podcast: @collidekidspodcast

Transcript

Christen Clark [00:00:02]:

Hello, friend. Welcome back to 7 Minute Devotions for Busy Parents. I'm Christen Clark. I'm a wife, I'm a mom, a speaker, ministry person. I'm just a very busy person is what I am. I'm also the host of the Collide Kids podcast, which is a show for kids and families to enjoy together. I know as you are getting ready to start traveling for the holiday season, it would be a great thing to put on in your car. When you're tired of your kids arguing in the back, just put on a podcast.

Christen Clark [00:00:29]:

I think you would really enjoy it. Well, I'm so glad you're here. As we continue our series on Exodus 34. 6, where God is describing himself to Moses. And I think this is such a significant thing that we need to pay attention to, so let's dive in. Okay. I feel like I tell you guys a lot about myself in this show, so here's something else that you might not know about me. I absolutely love watching shows and documentaries about the British royal family.

Christen Clark [00:01:01]:

I think it's so fascinating. And I especially love all the stuff about Princess Diana. I mean, I've always been amazed by the way people talk about her. Despite all the challenges she faced and the brokenness that was behind the scenes. One word almost everyone uses to describe her was gracious. She had so much grace. She was always showing up for the poor, the sick, the. The overlooked.

Christen Clark [00:01:26]:

Now, I do understand that some of those moments were set up by palace staff or by different people. And she walked into that. But she was willing. She was willing to walk into those scenarios, into those painful places to offer care and support and dignity. And that's what people, I think, really remember about her. It just created this beautiful picture of grace. Even if it was imperfect, it was showing someone who gave favor to others simply because she could. Today, as we talk about God being gracious, I want you to hold onto that picture.

Christen Clark [00:01:57]:

But then I want you to lift your eyes even higher to the God whose grace is deeper, richer and more freely given than anything else. In Exodus 34. 6, we've talked about how God calls himself compassionate and gracious. He is a compassionate and gracious God. And that word gracious is so rich. Grace simply means undeserved favor, goodness flowing towards us, us that we did not work for or earn or ever deserve. The New Testament word for this is the Greek word charis, the same name that we actually chose for our daughter. That's why we named her that.

Christen Clark [00:02:34]:

And it appears over 150 times throughout scripture, over and over Again, the Bible reminds us that God gives good gifts to people who could never ever pay him back. What makes grace so beautiful is that it comes to us precisely when we have not earned it. Our sin naturally pulls us away from God, away from all his goodness and his favor. And yet, instead of turning from us, God comes closer. Instead of rejecting us, he moves towards us. Grace is God saying, listen, I know your weakness, I see your failures, and I still choose you. It's undeserved kindness, but it's also unwavering commitment. He forgives our sins.

Christen Clark [00:03:19]:

He cares for us deeply our and he doesn't respond with human anger or human impatience. All of these things, they are expressions of his grace. That ultimate picture of God's grace is and always will be Jesus Christ. God offered His Son as a sacrifice for our salvation, not because we were worthy or righteous enough, but because his heart is full of grace. And that grace doesn't stop at saving us. It's actually God's grace that gives us the ability to just believe in Him. And it's God's grace that helps us to grow and mature day by day. As we walk with Him.

Christen Clark [00:03:56]:

He loves us exactly where we are. But that same grace refuses to leave us in that place. It's God's grace to shape us and strengthen us and lead us toward the life that he created us for. It is because of God's grace that we have purpose. Scripture says that he prepared good works in advance for us to do. And it's his grace that equips us with spiritual gifts so that we can serve and teach and encourage and bless others. Every time that we extend kindness that someone didn't expect, every time we show patience or forgiveness or love. Every time we step into someone's need, whether it's big or small, we are living out the grace that God has poured into us.

Christen Clark [00:04:38]:

Grace is not passive. It doesn't just sit on the sideline. Grace moves, it gives. It transforms. And every good thing God does in our lives, salvation, growth, strength and purpose is a reminder that his heart towards us is grace beyond measure. Let's think about grace when it comes to parenting. In some ways, it's easy to extend grace to our kids. It is God built something into us that instinctively provides and cares for someone who has not earned it.

Christen Clark [00:05:10]:

That's part of the heart of parenting. But at the same time, giving grace can sometimes be incredibly hard. Especially when our child disappoints us or pushes boundaries or makes the same mistake for the 10th time. We want to follow through with consequences. And there is a healthy place for that. But there are also going to be moments when our instinct is to blow off steam, shut down or pull away. In those moments, I want to encourage you to choose grace. Not because your child deserves it or because it's easy to, but we are people who have received unbelievable grace ourselves.

Christen Clark [00:05:45]:

This grace we've been given becomes the grace that we pass on. I want you to just pause for a moment and think about this. Where have you seen God's undeserved favor in your life recently? Think about it not not with guilt or with pressure, but with gratitude. Let this be a reminder that God is not withholding good things from you. He is pouring it out daily to constantly, generously, and all of it is his grace. Gracious God, we are so thankful for your grace. Thank you for that undeserved favor that you've given us through Jesus. Thank you that we can have salvation, that we can have faith, that we can know you and trust in you all because of grace.

Christen Clark [00:06:40]:

Thank you that you love us exactly the way that we are, exactly the way that we come to you, and yet you're not willing to leave us in that place. You're giving us grace so that we can grow and mature and turn into the person that you want us to be, so that we can fulfill our purpose and so that we can extend that grace to other people. God, I pray that you would help us to show grace freely today, this week at some time that you would give us an opportunity to see your grace in action and also to share it with others. We love you and we thank you so much for all that you've done for us. Thank you for your grace. In Jesus name, amen. Well, thanks for joining me today on seven Minute Devotions for Busy Parents. Hey, don't forget to follow us on social media.

Christen Clark [00:07:24]:

I'm on Instagram and Facebook @7minutedevotions and you can see the graphic there that you can share that with somebody if you want. You can also sign up for our email list if you have not already. I send out this devotion email with each episode twice a week. So if you'd like to sign up for that, head over to my website kristenclark.org Listen our next episode we're going to look at another powerful attribute from Exodus 34:6 what it means that God is slow to anger. You don't want to miss it. I hope you'll keep tuning in. Thanks again for listening. And remember, parents keep showing up.

Christen Clark [00:07:57]:

God is with you.