In Other Words for March 2

In a book that I just finished by Christian fiction author Lisa Wingate, there is a scene where the oldest of three young boys takes care of his drunken grandfather so that he doesn't blow the opportunity for their sister who is in the running to be the next "American Megastar". The older woman whose house they're at watches this, and having had uncharitable thoughts about the grandfather, feels herself shrinking smaller and smaller while the boy helps his grandfather inside, gently "with the kind of love that bears all things and keeps no account of wrongs". She goes on to think that "sometimes it ain't the drunk or the sinner who needs a shovel across the rear, it's the ones who could quote you chapter and verse about grace, but don't hand it out."

How many of us fall into the later category? How many of us can quote chapter and verse about grace but yet, when it's needed, fail to give it because we're disappointed in the person who needs it or so angry we can hardly see straight?

The old hymn says, "Grace, grace, God's grace. Grace that can pardon and cleanse within. Grace, grace God's grace. Grace that is greater than all our sin!" What is the definition of grace, of God's grace, I mean? Grace is giving us what we don't deserve. Since we are to emulate our savior shouldn't we give others what they don't deserve? Gentleness for a harsh word, kindness for spite, love for hate and so forth and so on. Nobody but God knows what is going on in their lives and why they are reacting or acting the way they do. Only God knew what was going on in our lives when He offered His grace to us. God's grace reaches down and pulls us from the mire and muck. Grace extends a hand and wipes away the wrongdoings, the transgressions, the past and sees others as God sees them.

Shouldn't we do the same to others that we see who do not have the same faith or the same opportunities as us? Jesus didn't see class division, didn't see the poor or the rich, didn't see cleanliness or health or stature. He saw people who needed to be loved and in need of a savior, regardless of race, gender, class, etc. We should do the same and follow in the footsteps of our savior and extend that same grace to everyone that God has extended to us. Because He loves us. Because we are His. Because of His grace. God sees everyone with the same eye. As recipients of His grace, so should we.

1. Marvelous grace of our loving Lord,
grace that exceeds our sin and our guilt!
Yonder on Calvary's mount outpoured,
there where the blood of the Lamb was spilt.

Refrain:
Grace, grace, God's grace,
grace that will pardon and cleanse within;
grace, grace, God's grace,
grace that is greater than all our sin!

2. Sin and despair, like the sea waves cold,
threaten the soul with infinite loss;
grace that is greater, yes, grace untold,
points to the refuge, the mighty cross.

(Refrain)

3. Dark is the stain that we cannot hide.
What can avail to wash it away?
Look! There is flowing a crimson tide,
brighter than snow you may be today.

(Refrain)

4. Marvelous, infinite, matchless grace,
freely bestowed on all who believe!
You that are longing to see his face,
will you this moment his grace receive?

(Refrain)

Please visit Patricia @ Typing One-Handed for more perspectives on this week's In Other Word's quote.

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This is the day that I ask for questions for the HDQ. I will be posting the HDQ answers again on Wednesday. What is the HDQ, you ask? The HDQ is the Hump Day Question. Basically, I answer YOUR questions that you pose to me. Anything you want to know about me, my life, my family, beliefs, opinions, humor, hobbies, etc. Please submit your questions in the comments and I'll have them answered on Wednesday. I had a couple of great ones last week that I enjoyed answering!