Grace Gone Wild

Grace Gone Wild

David Mathis is a pastor in Minnesota and an executive editor for desiringGod.org. He wrote a wonderful post, Grace Gone Wild, in 2013 which is still very relevant today and one I highly suggest you read. What I love best about God-focused posts is when the authors site scripture. For me, it’s more like a Bible study than reading an opinion post about the Bible, you know what I mean? I think each of us is on a personal journey of faith and we must discern our own understanding of God’s word.

Mathis is wonderful in walking through each Biblical place where grace offered through God meets us: chosen before time, with effect, united in Jesus, adopted and forgiven, justified, sanctified, glorified and satisfied forever. It’s humbling to realize that God loves us so much. It should make us willing to do anything to ensure others understand that they too are offered this grace. Open your Bible and read:

Bible Readings:

• Ephesians 1:5–6
• Romans 11:5–6
• 2 Timothy 1:9
• 1 Peter 1:10
• John 1:14-17
• Galatians 1:6
• Romans 3:24;
• Titus 3:7
• Galatians 2:21
• 2 Peter 3:18
• 2 Corinthians 12:9

Grace

Grace is mentioned more than 150 times in the Bible. The word “grace” comes from the Greek word “charis.” The Strong’s Concordance defines “charis” as “the divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life.” It is a free gift from God, given to us with zero expectations for something in return. You know that feeling when someone you love does something unexpected and floors you with their generosity and thoughtfulness? Their actions leave you feeling loved, special and happy to share your happiness with others. When you accept that God offers you His grace and love, that feeling of overwhelm and desire to share God’s story is almost more than humanly possible to express. It’s humbling and uplifting. It’s powerful. We’re called to act on that grace. To share the Good News.

What Grace isn’t

What grace isn’t is a free pass to sinful behavior. It’s not a “Get out of jail free” card. We don’t get to live sinful lives and then claim that we’re living under God’s grace so “all is forgiven.” When Jesus moved us from living under The Law to lives living In Grace, he offered us an opportunity to live our lives as God intended, loving Him and loving others. A life led in such a way leads to a more joyful, fulfilled life rather than one left seeking happiness and things of this world. It also leads to a less sinful existence (though, to be honest, we’re all sinners and try as we might, we just keep right on sinning every single day. That’s the point of needing Jesus and in picking up our daily cross; getting right with God even if He forgives us!)

How can we Behave

As followers of Christ we need to be louder with our communities about our faith. We need to be sharing the grace that has been freely given to us and offering it to those who do not love us. Praying for those who wish us harm is a powerful tool. God fills our hearts when we’re close to Him in prayer and when we offer, freely offer, love and grace to strangers and those who harm us, we start on our path of being more like Jesus.

So, I have a quick question. I’m a dedicated Bible reader. I believe in pulling out my Bible daily and spending time with God. I like to write in my Bible and journal my thoughts and questions. But, I am also in need of some back-and-forth as to discerning what I’ve read. I really don’t have a community to do that with. I’m hiring. Would you like to be hired for the position?? It would have to be virtual, cause unfortunately, we aren’t neighbors. But, we could do video chats or Instagram posts. Anyone out there in the big-o world interested? Let me know!!!

Have a blessed week!