I love the word grace, and I’m so captured by the concept.
Most people define grace as "unmerited favor." In other words, grace is an undeserved break.
Most of us love it when grace comes our way. We don’t get the speeding ticket, it’s turn-your-books-in-free day at the library, a friend forgives our thoughtlessness.
But why? Why does God extend His grace to us and why should we extend grace to others?
Psalm 67 gives us a good idea. It begins with a plea for God to “be gracious to us and bless us,” and then verse 2 provides the rest of the equation: “that Your ways be known on earth, Your salvation among all nations.”
The rest of the psalm talks about praise. When we’re graced by God or we show grace to others, the world notices. Praise goes His way, not ours—because grace goes against the human grain. It’s a better idea than we’re able to come up with on our own.
We don’t experience His grace because we’re good or nice or religious; we get ahold of it simply by reaching out and taking it. It’s undeserved love, and He showers us with it.
So what?
So, it’s up to us to pass it on. It’s easy to look around and determine who we think deserves our love and time and attention; that’s very human of us. But look past those judgments for a moment and you’ll see those unworthy ones in another light. Look closely—there might be a self-portrait among that crowd.
That’s me. Unworthy, but graced by God.
Who can I grace today?
Linking up today with Michelle at Graceful for Hear it on Sunday, Use it on Monday.
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3 comments:
I'm really just in awe of God's grace -- how it comes to us with no strings attached. There's nothing we've done to earn it. There's nothing we can do to deny it. God's grace is ... because God is.
I don't really "get" how it works, but I sure am glad I am awash in His grace anyway. Humbling ...
I like how you take this to the next level, Laura. I am beginning to wrap my mind around grace as an undeserved gift...but you present the next step: gifting that same grace to someone else. It's not just about me...it's about spreading God's love further and further. You've got me thinking tonight, friend!
Laura,
Thanks for your sweet email. You are such a great encourager. I hope you enjoyed the rest of your vacation and the last bit of your summer break.
As for me, I'm guilty of doling out grace to those I feel deserving. It's something I'm working on little by little.
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