Grace. What’s the first thing that comes to mind when this word is spoken? For some, it may be Olympic ice-dancing. For others, a song. One person may think of a nice baby name for a little girl. Another may think of nature. Hopefully, someone thinks of Jesus. Do they ever think of church when hearing that word? Unfortunately, I’m not so sure. But that’s another post…
Regardless of what you think you know about grace, I find it safe to assume that grace itself is not something that is easily understood. I mean, it’s a gift that is completely undeserved. It’s about having all of one’s stains washed away. It’s about the One who knew no sin becoming sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God. What? Why would that, in our natural, human, practical way of thinking ever make sense?
So, where do you see grace?
For me, it’s ironically in evil. At my place of employment, I hear stories of horrible trauma day-in and day-out. I constantly hear of either relatives, boyfriends or strangers abusing young women, whether it’s physical, sexual, verbal or spiritual. I’ll be honest here…it angers me. Angers me to the point of questioning my faith. How could God let these things happen? I’m sure we’re all familiar with asking that question a time or two.
But here’s the thing about those people who do these horrible things: God loves them. And he loves them with the same relentless love that he has for everyone else. Remember, none of us are “good” in terms of God’s standards. That’s why there’s Jesus. That’s why there’s grace.
So, it’s evil for me. For whatever reason, God has shown me more about grace in my experiences with evil than in any other way lately. Perhaps it’s because I know how impossible it is for me to love those who do those kinds of things to others. Maybe in those moments I’m able to resign from my position as Judge of the Universe and give it back to God, who was never impeached in the first place. His ways are so much better. Mysterious, yes…but so much better.
That’s just me. God is creative. He’s teaching each of us daily about grace in new and amazing ways. What about you?
Where do you find grace?
