Amazing Grace

Written by Jeremiah McBride

Ask yourself this question: How do you think God views you? Is He looking at you like a rebellious son and waiting to come down and squash you when you do something wrong? Or is He looking at you like the father or coach who wants to see you succeed even though you will inevitably screw things up?

This perspective drives how we live our lives for Christ. Paul wrote Romans during one of the hardest times in Christian history: there was infighting, there was corruption, there was persecution, there was death. But in Romans 8, Paul talks about God in a way we may not fully understand. “….nothing can ever separate us from God’s love………….-not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love.” Are we separating ourselves from God’s grace?

God loves us unconditionally, which is a far cry from what we as humans can comprehend at times. His love is not tied to our behavior, but to our hearts. Do you remember a time when you were growing up where you felt like your parent’s approval was tied to your behavior? What conditions have you put on a relationship with someone else?

Think back to the Old Testament for a minute. Even though Israel failed over and over, God always forgave them. Israel normally repented after they had been caught and were suffering the consequences. Guilt and condemnation are the worst motivators for doing what is right. But, kindness from you or someone you have hurt can turn guilt from a motivator to an avoider. “Can’t you see that His kindness is intended to turn you from your sin?” (Romans 2:4).

Recall an experience when you were granted huge amounts of grace for a huge screw-up. How did that affect your attitude? Tie this back to Matthew 18 when Peter asked how many times we should forgive. What is 70 times 7? It doesn’t stop there. Is God worth us working at showing the grace He has shown us? Unconditional grace is a choice, not an emotional reaction.

So, who do you need to show grace to?

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