The Joy of Grace

My lips will shout for joy when I sing praise to you – I, whom you have redeemed.
Psalm 71:23

The prisoner shuffles forward, his shackles cutting into his ankles with each tethered step. His heart has finally recognized his sin, and his shame is unbearable. The judge addresses him, but the prisoner cannot meet the penetrating gaze of the judge. Hopeless, he crumbles to his feet and begins to weep. It is too late. He is guilty. He is lost.

Perhaps if we could see our sin for what it is, perhaps if we faced the sentencing, we would see the miraculous gift of forgiveness in a new, powerful light. For we once were lost in our depravity, sinful and unredeemable, and sentenced to a live of darkness. But God mercifully saved us. He didn’t give up on us and cast us away. Instead he took our sin upon himself so we could be forgiven!

“As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.” Ephesians 2:1-8

We didn’t earn it – we couldn’t! But in his mercy, he gave it to us. Grace. What an unbelievably beautiful word.

When you begin to lose your joy, when it seems hard to find a reason to rejoice, remember grace – remember that we have been given complete forgiveness through Christ. Yes, too often the words roll off our tongue without meaning. But if we can try to grasp the truth of it, we will be overwhelmed with gratitude and joy.

The concept of grace is unbelievable, yet true! Rejoice today in the miracle that God has granted you a pardon from the sentence you deserve. Shout your praise to him and then go and grant grace to others.

“Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” Luke 6:37-38

It is not easy to forgive others – we are not God. It seems like I struggle with forgiveness every moment of every day.

But when in His power, I surrender and forgive those who have hurt me, I can feel the grace that God has given me – and I can rejoice!

Dear Lord, Thank you beyond words for granting me grace. Lord, you know how often I hold on to bitterness and resentment, refusing to forgive others. I am so sorry. Please help me to forgive as you have forgiven me.

Discussion: Do you find yourself withholding grace to others and thus limiting the grace you receive from God? Is your joy dampened by unforgiveness in your life?