Several years ago, I was attending a ministry at a church. The topic was Grace. I remember blurting out that I had absolutely no idea what Grace was. Can I feel Grace? Can I give Grace? How is Grace different than just being nice to someone? Give me something tangible here!!
I have come to find that Grace is a key component of happiness and joy. John Piper, minister out of Bethlehem Baptist Church in Minneapolis, Minnesota makes the case in Desiring God that the peace and joy that comes from Grace is something to strive for with all of your heart. Piper shouts in this book that our Father wants us to be happy!! Kingdom come. He has convinced me of this, very much….
I have heard Grace defined as giving someone something that they simply don’t deserve.
Similar to Mercy, which can be defined as not giving someone something that they deserve (the implication here is negative, like punishment).
Every now and then, I will have someone tell me how different I am than several years ago… I would like to think my heart has softened… When people notice, I typically give them a bump….
Romans 12:2 — And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. (KJV)
The glory… the peace and joy that has come is a direct result of Grace.
And my toughest relationships have gotten more peaceful… and that is a big deal.
I am reading thru the Bible for my second time now. First time around, I got very little out of say… Leviticus. Much more meaning, after asking many questions… and not being shy about asking these questions… sometimes admitting that I simply have no idea.
Anyways … this brings me to The Bible Project. I love these guys. I listened to them explain Atonement… with a side of Grace….
I hope you enjoy this. These guys at The Bible Project have much, much more….
And much peace to you all… in these crazy times, live by Faith.
Live by Faith.
-mike
Discerning Whitewater 