Marvelous, Infinite, Matchless Grace!
May you be strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for all endurance and patience, with joy giving thanks to the Father, who has enabled you to share in the saints’ inheritance in the light. He has rescued us from the domain of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of the Son He loves. We have redemption, the forgiveness of sins, in Him. Colossians 1:11-14 (HCSB)
Have you ever met someone who demands more of others than they are capable or willing to do? It is so easy to see the faults in others while being completely blind to your own. Charles Shultz humorously portrays this in his comic strip, “Peanuts”. “Lucy is seen saying that if she was in charge of the world, she’d change everything. Charlie says, “That wouldn’t be easy. Where would you start?” Lucy looks directly at him, and without hesitation, points her finger at him and says, “I’d start with you!”
When people act like this, it tends to evoke a lot of emotions like frustration, aggravation, and infuriation. Once I get past these, I find that what I am left with is sadness. I think sadness is accurate because I realize what they are forfeiting. They settle for living their lives pointing out the faults of others while ignoring their own. Then I am filled with gratitude because I have the greatest gift ever given: Grace!
Paul, in writing to the church at Colossae, tells us that “He has rescued us from the domain of darkness”. One of the greatest aspects of the domain of darkness is the inability to see. It is only by the power of God through Christ Jesus that we are able to begin to see who we really are in light of who He really is. Paul tells the church in Ephesus “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. Ephesians 2:8-9 (NASB) Grace is unmerited favor!
As I begin to understand the grace that has been given so undeservingly to me, I am overwhelmed. I am filled with a tremendous feeling of gratitude. And then I realize, and here is where it gets difficult, that I am even compelled to share it with the one who is unwilling to give it to me! Jerry Bridges has a quote that is worth remembering: “Our worst days are never so bad that you are beyond the reach of God’s grace. And your best days are never so good that you are beyond the need of God’s grace.”
This marvelous, infinite, matchless grace is what we all need to get and we must, when received, give it to others!
Today’s Prayer
Dear Lord,
I am amazed that You would love me such that You would be gracious to me. I know that I do not deserve it. There have been times when I have been unwilling to be gracious to others. Please forgive me. Thank You for loving me. Help me to love others. In Jesus Name, Amen.