Grace Upon Grace

When I was born, my grandma wrote a poem that begins, “Her parents named her Sarah Grace/ and what grace it was/ a gift from God.” The word ‘grace’ leaps out at me on each line. I can easily relate to the grace that ballerinas have with their poised and elegant movements. This idea of grace, however, as a free gift bestowed upon the unworthy is not as easy for me to understand. I am slow to receive this grace and even slower to show it.

While recently discussing how to respond to a situation, I found myself saying, “I think that is just enabling. That’s not grace. Its enabling. It’s too much grace.” My words were shocking to me, and my husband, Chris, quickly responded to me with what I already knew, “There is no such thing as too much grace.” If anyone could be showing too much grace it is God. Yet he constantly shows us grace as we continue to sin minute after minute, day after day, year after year. Even my worst sins, even my continual sins, God has forgiven and there is enough of Christ’s grace to continually extend to me and to you. To everyone. If Christ has so much grace for us, a limitless supply, then we must also show exponential grace to others. As a recipient of Christ’s grace, my life should be touched and marked by grace.

I will be the first to admit that my life is not marked by grace. I’m judgmental and bossy. I expect a lot from people and am a firm defender of my own rights. When Chris and I discuss situations like this, I am quick to advocate for my own interests and slow to demonstrate grace to others. My brain knows this isn’t the way it should be. As a teacher, I have seen firsthand how a little forgiveness and grace can make a huge change in student behavior, and I know there is research to back this up. There is huge power in a second chance, a do over. How is it still so hard? Because I am a slave to my own sin. As a follower of Christ, my own sin reminds me of my desperate need for Christ’s grace daily. If I am so in need of grace from God and I receive it daily, how can I not show grace to others?

I’m no theologian here to expound on the meaning of grace. I’m here to say that as a teacher, a friend, a wife, a daughter, or in any role I play, I often fail to show grace despite the grace I’ve received.

I want to be better. Lord help me.

My prayer is that we, as the body of Christ, can truly demonstrate the life-changing grace that we have received. I pray that we give, that we love, that we extend grace in all circumstances to the glory of God so that others may come to know Christ.

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