Grace is such an interesting concept. How do you define something you don't deserve, could never purchase, and yet are freely given? I searched the definition of grace online and found two interesting results:
1. (in Christian belief) the free and unmerited favor of God, as manifested in the salvation of sinners and the bestowal of blessings.
When I began writing this post, this is the definition I had on my heart. However, the second definition I read has given be pause.
2. Simple elegance or refinement of movement.
The reason I paused is because in many ways these two definitions are one in the same. In my personal experience of encountering the grace of God, it's led me to move through life differently. I don't always get the movements correct. As with any dancer, there are many rehearsals to prepare for the day of the big performance. Our final performance does not happen in this lifetime.
So many times when we fall, we want to quit the dance altogether. We think because of our mistakes we are unworthy of continuing to walk with Christ. The reality is, we never were and never will be worthy. Christ's love for us has nothing to do with us. We are only able to love because He first loved us (1 John 4:19). The world fails to exhibit true love when it walks apart from Him. How can one know love unless they know the One who created love?
I've never felt more loved than when I've felt God's grace. In the ministry work I do, I have seen many instances where someone has made decisions reflective of their life before coming to Christ. Satan uses these instances to try and convince them they are failures and should just give up trying to change. I believe it is these moments when someone can draw even closer to God. It is in these moments we experience new levels of grace. As a fellow believer, it is my job to extend this same grace to someone who has stumbled. We are called to lift one another up. There is no greater opportunity to show the love of Christ than when a brother or sister has fallen. When we feel most undeserving is when we need God's love and grace the most.
Where are you in this example? Are you the one in need of extra grace today or are you the one who is being called to show grace? Is there someone in your circle of influence who is fighting to stay on course in their walk with God? How can you reach out to them to show grace where others are showing shame and condemnation? If you are the one who is struggling to keep your head up, then let me be the one to tell you to rise up. Grace is given freely. There is nothing you could do that God was not aware of before you made your choices. His forgiveness is for all your sins, not just the ones committed before accepting Him into your life. You are not the one person on earth who is unforgivable. His grace is sufficient for you.
One of my favorite songs right now:
