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Some mazes-of-contemplation style notes (translation: somewhat random / not-so-polished) on what I learned today and a prayer (because that's one of my favorite things to do).
I have the privilege of leading a weekly discipleship group for middle school girls. Today's topic was on the grace and mercy of God. One of the girls made the distinction that mercy is when you don't get something you do deserve and grace is God giving us what we do not deserve. I've thought about that several times throughout today.
My introduction to grace came early in life. I was saved at five years old and grew up in the church. I was also blessed to grow up in a strong Christian family, so naturally the concept of grace and what I'd been saved from didn't hit me as hard as others with more dramatic testimonies and longer stretches of life lived apart from God. I did understand I was a sinner, of course. Case in point: at around 7 years old, I stole my sister's Easter candy. (which she easily called me out on, because she made a makeshift spread sheet documenting the number and kind of each candy she had and would erase tally marks with each eaten piece...Type A, much?? Another telltale sign was all the pieces that suddenly vanished from her stash were my top favorite chocolate candies. *sigh*) I wish I could say it was the only incident of flagrant thievery in my childhood, but there was also that one time when I swiped the neighbor girl's sparkly sticker collection...but I digress.
So, grasping mercy and grace...I mean, yes, I understood it as much as I could at that age. I understood it enough to desire a relationship with Jesus. But really being overwhelmed by the stark contrast of my wretchedness and the righteousness of Christ didn't come until later in life. And the beauty of grace and redemption hit me again today while thinking of who I might be apart from my Savior...shuddering to think about it, actually.
I was telling the middle school girls that one of my favorite quotes on grace is - "There will always be more grace in Christ than there is sin in me." That just amazes me! My sin and weaknesses and flaws are NO match for His glorious grace. Such a comforting thought.
You can easily tell those who have known much grace and mercy in their own lives, because they are the most generous with bestowing it to others.
Father, may my future husband be a man who is confident in who he is in Christ, yet humble because of his awareness of his deep need for grace. I pray he would be known for the grace he shows to others and by doing so that he would point others clearly towards You and show them a glimpse of Your heart. In Jesus' name, Amen
