A Lesson in Grace

Luke 6: 32-36 (NKJV)

“But if you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. And if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive back, what credit is that to you? For even sinners lend to sinners to receive as much back. But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil. Therefore be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful.”

Several weeks ago, I had a day off from work that was going to be a “me day.” The only thing I had planned to do was pay bills and watch a couple of movies I had been wanting to see. Instead of relaxing, I decided to surprise my son and clean his room and bathroom. He has been so good about taking care of things around the house, so I wanted to repay his kindness. I had always encouraged him to prepare for being the man of his house when the time comes which included making sure that his future wife felt safe and cared for by his sharing the load. However, I also pointed out that he should feel appreciated as well. Everyone deserves little surprises every now and then.

Conversely, I had decided that I was not going to do my daughter’s room. Quite honestly, she had not been as diligent about chipping in to do housework or pulling her load. In my mind, I did not feel like she deserved the special treatment. As I began to clean his room, I received a call regarding my car. This was the third time I had taken my car in for an unexpected repair, and I was not sure what was wrong this time. I was anticipating another costly bill. To my surprise, it was not going to cost near as much as I had expected. As I hung up the phone, the Holy Spirit reminded me that I had prayed and asked for God’s favor because I could not afford to keep spending that kind of money. I could not help but praise God! Yes, I screamed, cried, bent over...it was not pretty, but I think it may have been beautiful to Him. In that very moment of praise and worship, He poured into my spirit new revelation of His character and what He expects of me and all His children.

He helped me to see that I did not deserve that favor, but He gave it to me because of His goodness not because I had done anything except ask for His help. He was giving me a practical lesson on His Grace and Mercy. His mercy kept me from getting what I did deserve, and His Grace gave me favor that I did not deserve. Just then, I realized that I was choosing to bless one of my children and not the other based on what I believed they each deserved. Fortunately, our heavenly Father does not operate that way. He does not withhold blessings from us out of spite or judgement. He blesses us just because He is good. Matthew 5:44-45 (NKJV) says, “But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.”

Because of Jesus, we no longer live under the law. Our “doing good” is not how we get things from God. He blesses us out of His own goodness so that we may bless others. Our response to these blessings should be gratefulness which causes us to live a life of obedience to His will.

There was more that I learned that day of cleaning both of my children’s room. I came to understand that I cannot pick or choose to whom I offer blessings and grace. Romans 2:11 (NKJV) says, “For there is no partiality with God.”

The lesson for me that day was jolting. I had not ever thought that I was guilty of passing judgement on my children or treating them differently. I was ashamed of myself. If I am guilty of treating my own children this way, I am quite sure that I am guilty of treating others this way also. Even in my shame, God was showing me His Grace by lovingly teaching me and not punishing me. He was teaching me to always watch for these things and learn from Him when He speaks to me. I felt his correction and His love at the same time. Just as His mercy flowed to me that morning, He was showing me how to let it flow through me.