Jesus said, “My grace is sufficient for you,
For my power is made perfect in weakness.”
2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV

 

 

The ornaments on our Christmas tree were removed with the curious help of my two young grandsons. Small hands played with the Tom and Jerry ornament and the alligator Santa, and the Tweety Bird chime was twisted and tangled and teased. So, when the balloons on the Raggedy Ann were tugged so hard they snapped off, I exhaled with grace. I’d also accidentally broken my husband’s childhood fishing ornament.

A week later, the tree was still up and white lights softened the empty room and my early morning devotional and reverie. My truth set in. I was a bear the night before when I felt dismissed and overlooked, and I took it out on my husband. James 2: 13, 14 reminded me that mercy triumphs over judgment. As I pondered my ugliness from my quiet corner, my better half asked from his coffee nook, “Are you a grace amnesiac?” And he chuckled. He was unaware of what I’d just read.

It wasn’t yet 7 a.m. on a Sunday morning, and my husband’s Lucky Charms and train of thought collided with my almonds and yogurt and stack of books, which included a Greek and Hebrew Key Word Study Bible. So, we can’t take ourselves too serious. We are quite the odd mix-match. I laughed as I joined him and asked about his devotional.

Paul David Tripp cautioned Christians that there are moments when we forget who we are in Christ and we live like grace amnesiacs. Despair prevails and we are ready to quit. The task set before us seems much too grand and burdensome.

We forget our royal heritage and the rhythm of God’s grace. And so, we drift.

We may rebel against God and doubt His plans, or we push others aside and seek attention and accolades. Then we also lash out or retreat in anger when we’re upset, rejected or dismissed. And when we fear the sanctification process, our hands are thrust out in a posture of exclusion as we tighten the reins of rules and regulations. We forget the back street where Grace found us and how prone we are to return to the bondage. Some of us lose days, weeks, and years in our struggle.

Although, the mask of pride and perfection is donned, God sees our hidden deeds and thoughts. We look just like our enemies. And we are so in need of God’s love and mercy.

It’s easy to extend grace to wide-eyed cuteness who can only reach the lower, dangling limbs. However, mercy triumphs over judgement- no matter the size. We must grant grace when it’s difficult and uncomfortable. Remember. Reflect on what our Savior endured on our behalf. We didn’t receive the death sentence that we deserved because Jesus bore it. Consider. The standard of measure we give will be used for us in return.

Lord, help us to remember that we cannot endure and overcome in our own strength. Help us to love the unlovable and to be merciful to those who continue to hurt us.

Renew our hearts to live grace!

Lily Mae

For judgment will be merciless to one who has shown no mercy;
Mercy triumphs over judgment. James 2: 13 NASB