Extending His Grace — Becoming a People Formed by Mercy

Ephesians 4:32 -

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

Part 4 of our Four‑Part Core Values Series

Every church carries values, but values only matter when they shape the way we live, love, and follow Jesus together. At Hope Church Holywell, we’ve identified four core commitments that express the kind of community we long to become: Honour Jesus. Offer His love generously. Pursue Spirit‑led community. Extend His grace.

In this final part of our series, we turn to a value that reflects the very heart of the gospel: extending His grace.

Grace That Changes Everything

In When Jesus Becomes the Hero of Our Story, we recognised that our lives are stories of grace — not achievement, not perfection, not self‑effort. Grace is the foundation of our faith and the atmosphere of the kingdom.

To extend His grace is to allow the mercy we have received to shape the mercy we give.

What Does It Mean to Extend His Grace?

Grace is more than kindness. It is the undeserved favour of God — and it transforms the way we relate to others.

1. Grace that forgives freely

We forgive because we have been forgiven. Extending His grace means refusing to hold grudges, rehearse offences, or allow bitterness to take root. It is choosing freedom over resentment.

2. Grace that makes room for people to grow

Jesus never demanded instant perfection. He walked patiently with His disciples, allowing them to learn, stumble and mature. Extending His grace means giving others the same space — resisting judgement and embracing patience.

3. Grace that welcomes without conditions

Grace opens the door wide. It says, “You belong before you behave.” A grace‑filled church is a place where people can come as they are and encounter the transforming love of Jesus.

4. Grace that reflects the gospel, not our own strength

We do not extend grace because we are naturally gracious. We extend grace because we have been radically loved. The more deeply we experience His grace, the more freely we offer it.

Why This Value Matters for Our Church

Holywell is full of people carrying wounds, regrets, and questions. A church marked by grace becomes a place of healing — a community where shame loses its power and hope begins to rise.

Extending His grace keeps us grounded in the gospel. It reminds us that we are all recipients of mercy, all learners, all dependent on Jesus.

A Community Formed by Grace

Imagine a church where grace is not an idea but a culture. Where people are slow to judge and quick to restore. Where failures are met with compassion. Where the broken find belonging. Where the gospel is not only preached but embodied.

This is the kind of community we are becoming — slowly, humbly, intentionally.

Conclusion of the Series

Across these four blogs, we have explored the values that shape Hope Church Holywell:

• Honouring Jesus

• Offering His love generously

• Pursuing Spirit‑led community

• Extending His grace

  
  

These values are not goals to achieve but a way of life formed by Jesus Himself — the true Hero of our story.

“Gracious God, thank You for the mercy You have poured over our lives. Help us to extend that same grace to others — freely, generously, and without hesitation. Teach us to forgive as we have been forgiven, to welcome as we have been welcomed, and to show patience as You have shown patience with us. Make our church a place where grace is not only spoken about but lived out daily. May Your grace heal wounds, restore relationships, and draw people closer to You.

Father, we thank You for leading us through these four core values — for reminding us who we are and who we are becoming in You. As we honour You, shape our hearts so that You remain the centre of our story.

As we offer Your love generously, fill us with compassion that reflects Your own.

As we pursue Spirit‑led community, teach us to walk in step with Your presence, listening for Your voice and following Your lead.

And as we extend Your grace, help us to mirror the mercy we ourselves have received. Form us into a people who live these values not only in words but in the rhythms of our daily lives.

May Hope Church Holywell be a place where Jesus is exalted, love is abundant, the Spirit is welcomed, and grace is freely given. Strengthen us, unite us, and send us out as Your people — for Your glory and for the good of our community and beyond. Amen."