Amazing Grace

Stop for a moment and think about grace. What a simple, yet powerful word! Generally speaking, it is defined as a pleasant way of behaving by showing kindness to another person. Christians know that grace is a gift from God.

I was listening to a podcast awhile back…I can’t remember who said it, but the guest made the statement, “Grace is love stooping.”

Whoa…

What a beautiful sentiment. Like a parent, bending patiently down to help their child tie their shoe for the gazillionth time. Without judgment, without anger, the parent shows grace for their little one…not because the child earned it, but because of the parent’s love for their child.

And isn’t that how God demonstrates His grace for us as well? How many times have we failed Him: committing one sin or another, turning our back on Him, or just walking away? I know for me, it’s been more times than I care to admit. Yet when we hit the bottom and cry out to God for help, through his grace he is right there, stooping over us, and reaching for our hand with love.

How does He do it over and over again? He just patiently corrects us for our misdeeds and embraces us back into His loving arms. That’s a parenting lesson I wish He would share with me. Because boy is that a struggle…

I think when my kids were young, I did a good job of displaying the type of grace God grants to us. The older they have gotten, the more difficult that has become though. I try to be patient. I try not to raise my voice. And to be honest, in most cases, I’m not even angry.

But boy…I sure do get frustrated…

Can you relate? I hope I’m not the only one out there losing my patience with my older children. That is definitely a weakness for me. But I have hope…When I first started this post, I planned on going a different direction completely. I intended to use the verse from Matthew 5 where Jesus says to turn the other cheek. But then His grace led me somewhere else…

Paul realized that his own weaknesses are an opportunity to allow Christ to work in him and help him overcome his struggles. I see that now too. I was kicking myself for becoming frustrated yesterday. But I also realize my response (while not great) was not as bad as it could have been. I also realized that in recent months, I have been losing my temper less and less.

God’s grace is truly all we need. It is important to remember that no matter what we face, He is stooping over us with love, ready to help us through. Have faith and He will help us overcome our weaknesses. And in the meantime, we also shouldn’t forget the need to extend ourselves a little grace also.