The Work of Grace

When I was 16, I asked the father of a girl from my church if she could go with my family to celebrate my birthday. I was shocked when he said no, but I was floored by his reason. He said I was a nice boy, but he did not think I was a believer. I proceeded to tell him exactly who I was and how awesome I was and that he should be honored to have his daughter go out with me. 

A few weeks later when I had calmed down, he invited me to their house for dinner after church. Certain that he was going to tell me the error of his ways and ask for my forgiveness, I accepted. After dinner, he invited me into his study where we started going through the book of Ephesians.  For the next two months, we got together every week and went through God’s word.  I was an angry, cocky, lost boy and he had every right to turn his back on me, but instead he chose to pour into me.  Because of his kindness, I was prepared to receive the invitation to submit my life to Christ.  Bill and I continued to meet every week for several years until I moved away. 

Because Bill was willing to put aside the way I initially responded to him and extend grace to me, I was able to comprehend what Christ did for me. Christ shed His blood for the forgiveness of my sins not because of anything I did or because of how awesome I was but because of who He is, a loving God full of grace. 

“The motive of grace is the infinite, compassionate love of a merciful God, but the work of grace was the death of Christ on the cross.”  - Billy Graham 

------------ 

Father, thank You for sending Your Son to pay the price for my trespasses so that I may have a restored relationship with You. I repent of times when I tried to earn Your approval and forget that it was Your grace and kindness that made a way for my redemption. Please help me to forgive like You forgive.  In the gracious and holy name of Your Son, Amen.