Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Unmerited Favor

"See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many." Hebrews 12:15

Frustration and anger brimmed over and my entire body steamed under the pressure. I stormed toward his office hurling insults under my breath, ready for a fight. But she stopped me, gently pulling me aside.

 “Sometimes we just need to grant a little grace,” she said.

Grace ̶ a familiar word ̶ God’s unmerited favor and love, freely given through Christ. I knew grace. God’s grace covered my ugly brokenness and allowed Him to see only beautiful wholeness. But what was this grace she spoke of? How did grace apply here?

“He doesn’t deserve grace!” I barked.

“No one does,” she refuted.

Arms crossed, leaning against the copier between his office and my wise co-worker, my eyes spilled as her words pierced my heart. She stood silent there without condemnation ̶ only compassion ̶ until my demeanor softened and I gained composure.

 The silence between us taught me more about grace than any church sermon.

 No one deserves God’s grace and yet he sacrificed everything ̶ his only Son and all creation ̶ to offer it to us, through Christ’s death. He put aside his anger and offered Jesus so that we might enjoy the richness of relationship with him and through that same grace, draw others to him.

 God’s grace duplicates through us. That’s his plan ̶ Christ in us the hope of glory. For those who carry God’s grace are called to bring God’s grace to the world through our words, our touch, and our actions.

 Is there a difficult situation, person, or place where God’s called you to carry his grace?

 Father,
Where would we be without your grace? Teach us, Lord to forgive as you forgive, to love as you love, and to carry your grace wherever you lead.

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