Environments of Grace and Trust

I believe the main nutrients in the soil of discipleship are grace and trust. Without these two nutrients, a real relationship, one of following Christ together will not grow. Preceding these relationship nutrients is acceptance. Here are a couple of quotes to chew on from, Beyond Your Best - authors Thrall, McNichol and McElrath, "You and I cannot give acceptance unless we have been willing to receive acceptance. I cannot receive your acceptance, no matter how much acceptance you have to give, if I fear trusting you. When both come together, acceptance and trust, there is a tangible, life-giving freedom released that spreads faster than butter on a warm cinnamon roll. When we experience grace in spite of our failures, we gain the strength to face the truth without fear. "

These nutrients are all embodied in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and they are available to us right now, in Him, He in us. Jesus encourages us, empowers us, strengthens us and uses us. The disciple journeys to know Him and give Him away. The disciple is living in His grace and trusting in his identity in Jesus.