Upon reading my own writing from the 80’s, when I was
beginning to find my way around in life as a Christian, I am amazed at my lack
of grace toward anyone who thought differently than I did. As time has gone by
and my study time in God’s word has increased, I’ve begun to appreciate the
grace Christ showed to those around Him.
It was grace that prompted Him to turn water into wine, even
though He advised His mother, “My time has not yet come.” Jesus showed grace
and compassion to that couple by sparing them embarrassment and saving their
wedding feast. Someone else, perhaps an official of the local synagogue, might
have chided the families of the bride and groom for not planning well enough. They
might have been correct in their estimation of the reason for the problem of
running out of wine. Wasn’t grace needed more than an assessment of what caused
the problem and blame passing?
Scripture is filled with Jesus’ gracious acts. The woman
discovered in the very act of adultery was shown grace. The result was a life
spared, a lesson taught and pitiless, self-righteous people made to face their
own sins. Extending grace has an amazing effect on those who receive it. After
all, “It’s His kindness that leads us to repentance.”Therefore when we show
kindness rather than scathing judgment, even when we are correct in our
assessment of wrongdoing, perhaps repentance will follow.We can never err by extending grace to others. How they
receive it is up to them. Doma
