The grace of our Lord abounded exceedingly with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.
–1 Timothy 1:14
A few months ago, we built a new house.
The house is just the way we want it. Not too big and not too small — roomy enough for all of us to be together around the table and in the living/family room area. Room enough for sleepovers with all the grandkids.
It’s also very new. So, when one of the grandkids put a fair-sized scratch on the wall that took the paint off, I was NOT happy.
I also have to admit that I wanted to yell. I wanted to spank. I wanted to let the “guilty party” know how angry I was that she had messed up my wall. But I didn’t. Instead, I choose to extend to her a great big dose of grace, undeserved courtesy, and goodwill. She deserved to be reprimanded and even disciplined (because of the way it happened). But instead, I chose to bite my tongue and move on.
I gave her some grace because I love her. I also gave her grace because I know how much grace God has given me and will continue to give me all the days of my life.
Grace isn’t deserved, but it sure is nice to get it, isn’t it?
Prayer
Dear God, Thank You for Your grace. Help me to be gracious to people in my life who hurt, offend, and anger me. May I never forget how good You have been to me. In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.
Reflection
For what reasons have I received God’s grace this week? How will I pass this grace on to someone who has hurt, offended, or angered me?