Anyhow, since it is Easter, I thought that I would start with some words on Grace...
Something about that word is so
soothing, like a hot cup of tea for the soul. I think a lot about Grace because
I know I would be lost without it. Grace, for me, encompasses love and
forgiveness and undeserved kindness all in one. According to Webster, Grace
means extending love and kindness to someone who is completely unworthy.
Now I
know that I am unworthy, but I also usually think that people who hurt me are
way more unworthy. Especially in those moments where I am absolutely positive
that I am right and the other person is wrong, which in all honesty is most of
the time…
But there are certain instances
when grace is more than just getting over your pride. There are times when the
pain is so real, so deep, that extending grace seems out of the question; when
your heart has been broken into a million pieces and you can’t seem to put them
back together. But I am learning little by little that the first step to
healing always begins with grace.
Recently I have been feeling
challenged in this particular area of my life. I’ve been reading through the
New Testament recently, more importantly, the gospels. And by the time I got to
Luke, I had become very interested in Jesus’ relationship with Judas Iscariot
(don’t lose focus I PROMISE this is not a bible lesson). Judas was a chosen
disciple. But he also betrayed Jesus in a horrific way, delivering him to those
who would crucify him. Jesus knew what he was planning, but he invited him to
walk with him and eat with him. It is a stunning thing really, an unfathomable
kind of grace. I am pretty sure I would just say “more for me” and pull his
chair away from the table.
But it was in this Ahah! moment
that I had a newfound love and respect for Jesus. He knowingly allowed Judas to
get close to him, fully aware of the pain that would accompany his betrayal.
That is Grace people. That is our biggest and most beautiful example of how we
are to treat others.
All that I know is that I want to
love like Jesus loved Judas. I want to extend grace to the people in my life
who have hurt me the most. I want to run with my eyes fixed on Jesus so
steadily that nothing else can cling to my heart.
