Why is it often harder to show grace to those closest to us than to strangers in the grocery store? Why can it feel easier to welcome other people’s kids than our own? And what does it look like to give grace when you don’t feel like giving it? Walking in grace can feel slow—as my guest said, “like downloading software years ago”—but it’s worth every step.
Grace deepens when we take the time to walk in other people’s shoes.
Walking in Grace
In today’s conversation, Neil Matthews, host of the Other People’s Shoes podcast, shares how choosing to step into another’s story changes our perspective and practice of grace. Together, we explore what it means to say “yes” to those simple moments turned sacred—when we sit with another person right where they are.
We talk about:
- The impact of walking in another person’s shoes
- How to discern what’s your work to do and what’s God’s work to do in matters of faith and growth
- Empathy as an invitation to grace
- What to do when you don’t feel gracious
- The hardest running route Neil ever faced and what it taught him about grace
- The prayer Neil prays when he’s struggling to forgive
When walking in grace feels hard, it may be time to remove your own shoes and choose to walk in another’s.
💬 Walking in Grace Quotes from Neil Matthews:
“There were times I’d want to give up. But then, there was that little nudge again.”
“Right now, in this moment, I have to remember that ______ is hurting too.”
“Maybe God has put _______ in your path to remind _______ that grace is possible, that His love is possible.”
Resources Mentioned:
🌿Dear Carter and Adia podcast episode
🎶 Neil’s go-to grace song: Roses by Andrew Ripp
Connect with Neil Matthews:
Website: opspodcast.com
Instagram: @opspodcastshow
Facebook: @opspodcastshow
X: @opspodcastshow
Walking in Grace Related Episodes:
Ep. 36 Don’t Hoard Your Healing | Nancy Manassero
Ep. 51 The Grace Thread in Everyday Life | Eric Nevins
Ep. 40 Be Still and Be Loved | Michael John Cusick
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