the sweet grace of Jesus

Today marks a momentous occasion. It is the day that I post my first official blog post EVER! And considering how long it took me today to create this thing, that is an incredible feat.

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.