“From (Jesus’) fullness we have all received, grace upon grace (John 1:16). “In (Jesus) we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace” (Eph. 1:7). “Enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion… generosity will result in thanksgiving to God (2 Cor. 9:11).
Gracious Father, by the Gospel you have enriched us in every way that we might be generous in every way—with the currency of your mercy, love, and kindness (2 Cor. 9:11). Hooray! We can go on a spending spree with your grace.
But the truth is, you have called us to be generous is some ways and situations in which we’d rather hide, hoard, withhold your grace. You never call us to be foolish; but you always call us to be generous with the grace-riches you’ve freely given us.
Help us, Father, as we prepare to spend and invest your “deep-pocket grace” this upcoming week. We even need your grace to give your grace.
To forgive as you have forgiven us in Jesus (Eph. 4:32) is basic, daily, and not too difficult most of the time. But some relationships and situations require wisdom beyond our “pay grade.” Perhaps, all we can do at first is “simply” withhold condemnation, contempt, disdain, and shame from the ones who have hurt and failed us. Lead, strengthen, and help us.
To accept others as you have accepted us (Rom. 15:7) is also “tricky.” Father, how do we accept others with whom we disagree on important matters? How do we give your welcome without compromising our convictions?
Help us build bridges of grace rather than walls of fear, self-protection, and resentment. Help us choose the probable pains of a gentle heart over the certain dangers of a hard heart. Help us and grace us, Father. So Very Amen… in Jesus’ name and for his glory.