God’s Grace
by Goran Andersson
Grace is for sinners only! It's simple and easy to understand, but often so hard to accept. For we prefer to receive grace without having to humble ourselves and confess that we have messed it all up.
A friend was trying to help a person in a difficult situation. Things had gone wrong because of bad decisions and wrong actions. And the consequences were grim. Our friend pleaded for the person. He understood his dilemma and saw the reasons for the bad decisions, and was trying to help him.
Couldn’t the offender be forgiven? Couldn’t everyone understand the special circumstances that had led him take wrong actions? Wasn’t this a place for them to show mercy and understanding? Wasn’t this a place for the grace of God?
But there was one thing missing: The person in need of grace couldn’t see he had done anything wrong. He saw only that he had been sinned against, and was seeking justice, not grace. And so he got neither justice nor grace.
To defend ourselves when we are wrong may be a human reaction, and we certainly shouldn’t walk around feeling that we’re always at fault and that we’re always the problem. But when we see that we really are wrong, we have broken the rules, we have hurt others and we have sinned, God has one thing to say to us (if we go humbly to Him) - it's this: 'confess what you've done and receive My grace'.
The grace of God lifts me up. It gives me the right to hold my head up and walk without guilt and shame. It gives me the boldness to draw closer to God, to trust in Him, and to count on His faithfulness. This day doesn’t have to be a gloomy day because of yesterday’s failures. It can be a good day, thanks to the grace of God!
Prayer: I'm sorry Lord for the times when I've been wrong, but have tried to justify myself and avoid taking personal responsibility. Please forgive me and help me to understand the simple provision you have made for me to receive your grace. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Goran Andersson , together with his wife Roswitha, worked as missionaries in Japan from 1967 – 1985. They then pastored a church before moving to Kåfalla Herrgård, Sweden where Goran became Director. They have worked with Ellel Ministries since 2004 and are now part of the team of Ellel Ministries in Sweden.
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