I once witnessed a person endure quite an abusive situation in a meeting. The person remained mostly silent until the end of the meeting. Then it was prayer time. The person prayed for all of those there, including those who had been so antagonistic. That’s grace – expressing love in the face of antagonism. It was grace because the love was undeserved. Have you ever observed grace in action? A shopkeeper being verbally abused by a customer, then calmly responding, giving change, and wishing the person well? A parent attacked by child in one instance and then a little later comforting that child when the child is hurt? A debt forgiven with a handshake and a greeting of peace? A random act of kindness; when out of the blue somebody does something nice and unexpected for somebody else who may or may not have some sort of need? Picking something up and shifting it out of the way for somebody – even if they could do it for themselves? There are so many ways in which we can put grace into action – making grace real.
I’m a Sinner. We are sinners. God’s word makes it clear that what you and I deserve is death. But what does he give to you and me? LIFE – Not a life sentence in prison, but a His life of love. We are undeservedly & unreservedly loved by God. He knows us well. He loves us even better. That’s grace. And if we’ve received such grace, such undeserved love, how can we share that experience that reality with other people in ways that reflect the grace that we have received? How do you and I make grace real?
God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much,
that even though we were dead because of our sins,
he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead.
It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!
Ephesians 2:4-5 NLT
