Grace…

Here we are again my fellow brethren of the blogging tradition (as early in its states, as it may be) it is time to begin anew. Inasmuch as I would like to begin with something extemporaneous but, it’s not going to be that kind of a day. I feel the need to delve into something that has come of interest to me. I know that it may all sound like think-speak at this time but, I think it will all become clear momentarily. I have been pondering the mystery of love, life and faith for a while now but, I have missed out on something important: grace. Grace is for lack of a better word, mercy. Mercy is to be kind and forgiving; I know in my life I have needed many a time grace. Grace is to me a more physical part of faith. “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1). Grace is seeing that you have done wrong and a person forgives you. Even though you don’t deserve it, a person had the grace to absolve you of the wrong you had done to them. Doesn’t it feel wonderful when someone forgives you for the stupid things you do? You don’t have to do something to receive grace; someone just gives it to you as a free gift. If you had to do something to obtain grace would it then even be grace at all? No it wouldn’t it would be forgiveness. As Romans 11:5-6 states: “Even so then, at this present time there is a remnant according to the election of grace. And if by grace, then it is no longer of works; otherwise grace is no longer grace. But if it is of works, it is no longer grace; otherwise work is no longer work.” If God said “I’ll pardon you only if…” it wouldn’t work, it just wouldn’t be grace. Lamentations 3:22-24 puts it well: “It is of the LORD’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him.” I know at least for me if God didn’t grant grace I wouldn’t be here. I have screwed up many a time and many a time grace was given. God gives it as a free gift, just like salvation. It takes faith to see it, hope to believe it, grace to receive it and love to see it though. I am just glad someone had the stones to tell me about it. Remember to be gracious.