THE GIFT OF GRACE Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:16 There are many things that secular organizations can do just as well as the church. They can build homes, feed the hungry and clothe the poor. But theres one area the church should excel in, and thats extending grace. Grace is a foreign concept to the world. We learn early that we are graded and judged on our performance. There is no free lunch. We must earn our own way. And its every woman for herself. But along came Jesus and He introduced the world to a different way - Gods way. Jesus began many of His parables with these words, The Kingdom of heaven is like ... Then, Jesus proceeded to tell a story that turned the economics of the world upside down. After all, what shepherd would leave 99 sheep alone to search for one? How can a few coins given by a widow be of more value than the donation of a rich man? And what about the father who willingly welcomed a once-rebellious boy home with a party? Gods grace to His children is completely unmerited love and forgiveness. It is an extravagant love that defies our human understanding. While our soul longs for grace, we are confounded that it could actually be extended to us. But even more difficult to comprehend, is that it is also extended to those who offend us. Grace is a gift, and cannot be earned. None of us gets paid according to merit, for none of us comes close to satisfying Gods requirements for a perfect life. This truth can transform our relationships. You see, if God offers grace to us, then we should offer grace to others. As we represent Jesus to a broken world, we can best reflect His character by extending grace - unmerited love and forgiveness. The hardest place to extend grace is often in our own homes, beginning with our spouse and children. But its the best place to start living out the higher calling of Christ. Today consider how God has given grace to you. Identify those ways. What comes to mind when you hear the word grace? There are many areas where we are not giving grace, including: secular culture, graceless religion and parents who fail to offer loving acceptance. Have any of these been a factor in your life? Lets Pray: Heavenly Father, thank you for your extravagant love toward me. Thank you for your great sacrifice so that I can approach your throne of grace and receive mercy. Forgive the times I have not shown grace to another. Help me be more like You. In Jesus name, Amen. Further Reading: Hebrews 4:11-16
Posted on: Tue, 29 Oct 2013 08:19:19 +0000