Sue’s Monday Morning Meditation
Grace
04-08-2024
Scripture:
The amazing grace of Jesus Christ be with you!
1 Thessalonians 5:18 (MSG)
Comments:
“God’s posture to us is ALWAYS grace.”
Pastor Mitch Ellithorpe,
Lake City Church
March 17, 2024
My husband, Ron, and I often discuss grace. Our relationship prior to marriage developed during a time when we both felt the need for grace, which was frequently the topic of our beloved Pastor Walter Buck’s sermons.
We’re now nearing our 45th wedding anniversary. We’ve had a lot of opportunities in these years to give and receive grace, but we’re still discussing, learning, receiving, and giving.
Recently, Ron and I were having one of our “grace” conversations as we drove to church. Unknown to us, grace was the topic of that morning’s sermon. Pastor Mitch used stories about Peter’s miserable betrayal of Jesus coupled with the lovely way in which Jesus exhibited grace and restored his impetuous yet potentially powerful young disciple (See stories in Luke 11:56-62 and John 21:15-17).
One of Pastor Mitch’s points seemed particularly significant: “God’s grace (which quite literally means undeserved kindness) REPEATS.” Peter didn’t deserve Jesus’ kindness, but he received it anyway because that is the nature of God’s grace. God doesn’t extend grace because we deserve it, but because He is a good God who loves to give good gifts repeatedly, over, and over, and over again.
And God, I believe, is pleased when I not only accept the gift of divine grace but am willing to extend grace to others.
Perhaps the best—and maybe the most difficult—place to take a posture of God-like grace is within the walls of our own homes. After 45 years, my husband and I have surely had lots of occasions to show grace toward one another in both small and large ways. As we continue to learn, grow, and practice, I am grateful God’s posture of grace toward us REPEATS.
Prayer:
Lord,
The Apostle Paul learned what I continue to learn:
Your grace is sufficient despite my weaknesses.
Thank you for your grace that doesn’t give up.
Please continue to teach me how to assume a posture of grace toward others.
Thank you for the amazing gift of your repeating grace!
Amen
Reflection Question(s):
Is there someone in your life with whom you need to assume or repeat a “posture of grace?” What one small step can you take today to do that?
Blessings on your meditations this Monday!
