How Can it Be?

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: 

The Prodigal by Brennan Manning and Greg Garrett

The Prodigal is a very well written, modern day version of one of the best stories told in scripture illustrating the love of God towards His children. The authors take the story of a son who is loved, who travels away from home, loses his way, and has a father who is waiting for his return. The authors tell the story in a way to make it recognizable as the parable in the Bible, but with enough liberties to bring the story to a situation that could happen easily in today’s society.

Having attended a church similar to the one pastored by the main character, there were many similarities to his personality in the beginning that I have experienced personally. Many of us have witnessed the “fall” of pastors who have been elevated to super-human status. The Prodigal tells a story of what can happen when one of these pastors is forced to face his own humanity and is forced to live out what he has been preaching. At the same time he learns things about Christ and the love of a father he has never personally experienced before.

I found The Prodigal a very enjoyable read and recommend it for anyone who may be struggling in their faith after making choices that have hurt themselves or others.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com® <http://BookSneeze.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”