Scary, isn’t it? This implies we think we ARE perfect. That’s a pretty serious thing. But, think about it. We claim we aren’t. “Far from it,” we say. But, then, suddenly, we’re offended because someone lied. Granted, there are lies about very serious things: lies about faithfulness to a spouse, or about stealing, for example. But, can you and I say we have NEVER told a “little white” lie? Someone exaggerates or embellishes a story. You never have? Maybe a person calls you “lucky” because you got a promotion. Have you ever thought that of someone who passed you up at work?
How about passing a judgment on someone? We seem to do that as swiftly as we take a breath! Judging them for their appearance, their attitude, their worldview – when we really don’t know the whole person and maybe have not even met them!
Or, how about carrying around anger toward another person? That’s hard work. So, why do we do it? Perhaps because we feel entitled? But, wait. If I remember correctly, Jesus – who had done NOTHING wrong – said (from the Cross):
“Father, forgive them…”
Apparently, grace is easier for us to RECEIVE than it is to GIVE.
We’re all in process. None of us has achieved perfection. If we can say to ourselves, “God isn’t done with me yet,” can we not recognize that truth in others?
“Let him who is without sin cast the first stone…” (John 8:7)
Thanks for the reminder!
Convicting and time to let Him be God!
I CHERISH THIS LESSON FROM MY GRANDFATHER: WHEN YOU TRULY RELEASE THE WRONGDOER FROM THE WRONG, YOU CUT OUT A MALIGNANT TUMOR FROM YOUR INNER LIFE ONCE AND FOREVER. YOU SET A PRISONER FREE, AND YOU SOON DISCOVER THE REAL PERSON SET FREE WAS YOURSELF.
Ah, yes…extending grace.
Good reminder. Thanks Teri!❤
You are so right Teri! Tasting grace ought to cause us to extend it freely.
So true your statement of “Apparently, grace is easier for us to RECEIVE than it is to GIVE.” Good reminder to consider each day if I am giving grace to others. Blessings!
Thank you for the reminder. We are not perfect, but we are perfecting, in God’s grace.