Extending Grace

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