‘The end of all things is near; therefore, be of sound judgment and sober spirit for the purpose of prayer. Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins. Be hospitable to one another without complaint. As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. Whoever speaks, is to do so as one who is speaking the utterances of God; whoever serves is to do so as one who is serving by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. ‘ 1 Peter 4:7-11
I have no doubt that the extension of grace, to others for real or perceived slights, has been an issue for man kind since sin entered this world. However, I have a hard time believing that we have not reached new heights of it in the present day. I believe there are a number of contributing factors, all of which have been rendered into tools that satan uses to twist and manipulate each and every one of us. A cross word, a fit of impatience, lashing out in anger, condemning another for a misspoke word or poorly executed action. We are living in a time when grace has become nearly extinct in daily interaction. We hold others to a level of accountability that is unattainable. We cancel them. We cut them out of our lives and demand that others do as well. If they don’t, well then they are “no better” than the so called perpetrator. Before I go any further, I am speaking directly to myself, as well. Perfection has always been expected, but now it’s demanded… or else! I would wager that every single one of you reading this has withheld grace at some point in time. In fact, I would wager a guess that most reading this are withholding grace from someone, to some degree at this very moment. I am. Why? I would also all but guarantee each and every one of you have had another withhold grace from you. The good news is that the One who’s grace matters most, the One who’s grace none would survive without, will not be withheld. NO! Jesus freely gives grace to all who come. He does not keep account of wrong. He gives it, without reservation, over and over, and over again. Are we not commanded to pursue a relationship with Him, learning from Him, drawing ever nearer and nearer to Him? Are we not to strive to live our lives as He commands, emulating His example? Are we not to strive to daily become more Christlike in heart, thought, speech and action? Well then, GRACE is a must! It’s who He is. He so loves us, each and every one of us that His grace is sufficient and never ending. So ask yourself, “why isn’t mine”?! Have a blessed weekend.
In full pursuit of the greatest Trophy
