Amazing Grace

We remember the time when Christ asked the accusers of the adulterous woman to cast stones at her if they were without sin. The accusers departed in shame, and Jesus gently encouraged the woman to go and sin no more. I believe she was transformed by His love.

Christ befriended the Samaritan woman at a time when Samaritans were despised and hated by the Jews. She became one of His greatest advocates, spreading the word of the Messiah to her friends and neighbors and converting many with her testimony.

Even while suffering in agony on the cross, the great Jehovah plead with His Father to forgive the soldiers who crucified Him, saying that they knew not what they did. Now that is love!

Jesus taught that the merciful will receive mercy. Even though He promises us forgiveness of our sins if we repent and forgive others, it is so easy to judge others unrighteously. It is so easy to be unmerciful.

Think of the ways we judge others. Do we assume someone who is elegantly dressed is rich or a snob? Do we think that someone dressed in old, worn clothes is poor or lazy? Do we assume that a smart person is a nerd or that a mentally challenged person is a fool? Do we judge people by their religious, political, or cultural preferences? Do we diss others because of their race, appearance, or background? Do we assume that we are better or worse than another?

God says He is no respector of persons and that He doesn't play favorites. He asks us to love others as He loves us. He asks us to forgive.

Paul asked us to get rid of all bitterness, rage, and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. He told us to be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other just as God forgives us.

We can ask God to reveal those that you have not forgiven and then ask for His help in forgiving them. God does not expect us to forgive alone. He waits to help us.

When we hold on to bitterness, we live in fear. We feel anxious or angry, or both. When we forgive, we experience peace and serenity. We experience the perfect love of our Father and know true happiness.

Today let us choose mercy. Let us choose to share His amazing grace.
© Carol Brown