I'm not sure that I'll be able to express this exactly the way I mean it, but here goes...
Lately I have been feeling the need for more grace. In my own life, certainly, I am a grateful recipient of the grace of God. When I deserve condemnation and judgment, He gives grace. When I am lost and confused, His grace lights the way and brings me back. When I am desperate and miserable, His grace comforts and heals. Where would I be, if not for the grace of God?
Have we forgotten? Do we so easily lose sight of what it is like to be so desperately in need of God's grace? When we have the chance to spread a little grace to one of God's children, do we take it? When hear a teenager's unkind, cutting words, do we listen to the pain behind them? When we see a homeless person, do we just assume he must have "done something" to deserve it? Can any of God's precious children depend on us, trust us, to take care of them? Have we forgotten?
I have never claimed to be a perfect example of God's grace. I know there are many times when I fail to accept or distribute grace when I should. But my intention is to let grace rule my life. When grace and compassion are the rule, it is my belief and my experience that people see Jesus. And if we claim the name of Christ, isn't that Who we want people to see? I have yet to see rules and guidelines and unbending policies save anybody! Jesus' ministry was one of care and concern for people. Not once did He condemn a person Who was truly seeking Him. I want to be like Jesus.
This quote is very strongly worded and I love it. I wish my life more faithfully exhibited the truth behind it.
"If sinners be damned, at least let them leap to hell over our bodies. And if they perish, let them perish with our arms about their knees, imploring them to stay. If hell must be filled, at least let it be filled in the teeth of our exertions, and let not one go there unwarned or unprayed for." -Charles Spurgeon
I intend to never give up on the people Christ has called me to serve. Are there challenges? Yes. Are there problems? Absolutely. Should that stop me? No way. I will not give up. God has not given me the spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind. (2 Tim. 1:7) Thank you, Jesus, for never giving up on me!
You Never Let Go
by Matt Redman
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death
Your perfect love is casting out fear
And even when I’m caught in the middle
of the storms of this life
I won’t turn back
I know You are near
And I will fear no evil
For my God is with me
And if my God is with me
Whom then shall I fear?
Whom then shall I fear?
Oh no, You never let go
Through the calm and through the storm
Oh no, You never let go
In every high and every low
Oh no, You never let go
Lord, You never let go of me
And I can see a light that is coming
for the heart that holds on
A glorious light beyond all compare
And there will be an end to these troubles
But until that day comes
We’ll live to know You here on the earth
And I will fear no evil
For my God is with me
And if my God is with me
Whom then shall I fear?
Whom then shall I fear?
Oh no, You never let go
Through the calm and through the storm
Oh no, You never let go
In every high and every low
Oh no, You never let go
Lord, You never let go of me
Yes, I can see a light that is coming
for the heart that holds on
And there will be an end to these troubles
But until that day comes
Still I will praise You, still I will praise You
Yes, I can see a light that is coming
for the heart that holds on
And there will be an end to these troubles
But until that day comes
Still I will praise You, still I will praise You
Oh no, You never let go
Through the calm and through the storm
Oh no, You never let go
In every high and every low
Oh no, You never let go
Lord, You never let go of me
Oh no, You never let go
Through the calm and through the storm
Oh no, You never let go
In every high and every low
Oh no, You never let go
