Grace

Yesterday morning, at the men's gathering, a talk was given on the topic of Grace. I think most will agree that although we are thankful for God's gift of grace it is still something we struggle to accept or understand at times. When we know we have done wrong to another, although it is nice to know when they have forgiven us, we are either unable to accept it as a truth or we tend to still want to prove ourselves worthy of that forgiveness. Many times how we accept it often plays into how we give it out as well.


In the book "The Ragamuffin Gospel", Brennan Manning writes,

We accept grace in theory but deny it in practice. Living by grace rather than the law leads us out of the house of fear into the house of love. "There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love." (1 John 4:18) Living by Grace inspires a growing consciousness that I am what I am in the sight of Jesus and nothing more. It is His approval that counts.

Yesterday's talk ended with an exercise that went something like this:
Close your eyes.
Think of something you have done that has made you feel unworthy of God's grace.
Now picture Jesus next to you.
He calls you by name and tells you that you are forgiven.
Thank Him.
Open your eyes.


Grace provides the freedom we need to carry on and do his work.

Peace,
Lion's Den Man