"But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen." 2Peter 3:18
Over the last several months, I worked through Chuck Swindoll's book and study, "The Grace Awakening" with my Ladies' LIFE group. As I walked through these lessons, I was convicted that I too, have been the rigid, critical, self-righteous, judgmental "grace killer" that Chuck describes, and it grieved me. In the past year, I, and several people I care about, have been "attacked" by "grace killers". It has been a stretching, growing, and sometimes painful year of discipleship, struggling with moving myself and others to grow in righteousness and holiness, while always speaking and acting with overwhelming grace flowing from the grace poured into me by my Savior, Jesus Christ.
I followed the study by reading Beth Moore's, "When Godly People Do Ungodly Things". It reinforced being a grace receiver and grace giver. We have an adversary who wants to destroy us, the church, and the work of God. Much grace is needed, not only in reaching out to those who need God's redeeming grace, but also to help restore our fallen "brothers" and "sisters". I am often reminded of the saying, "But by the grace of God, there go I." In the name of God and His righteousness, we beat up the brethren when they fail to meet our expectations, whether they are valid or not. We judge their hearts and intentions, best left for God since He alone knows the heart. *sigh* I have been on both sides of this, as well.
I am forever changed by the Truth I learned as I stumbled through these two books.There are so many broken people in the world. I am so thankful that God is full of grace and mercy for all who cry out to him. I am forever grateful to my God for rescuing me, and His patience as He is faithful to complete the work He began in me.
While I have been singing so many "Hallelujahs!" to God, lately, this song has really touched me, knowing that "The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise."
Sometimes, there are things better than a "Hallelujah!"
Lord,
Help me to continually, day by day, grow in the grace and knowledge of you, and allow that grace and knowledge to flow freely and extravagantly onto those I come into contact with.
