The Risk of Grace...

There are many in the world today that feel the same as old Jonah felt; I would dare say even in the church. There are those who feel that there is just too much grace going around. That is until they find themselves in a position where it needs to be extended to them.

Why are we so fearful of granting grace? Is it because we are afraid that someone will be let off the proverbial hook? Do we somehow feel that God and the Gospel is weakened or even cheapened by this thing called grace? Are we afraid that God will allow himself to be taken for granted? But isn't that part of what goes along with extending yourself to someone? Aren't you taking the chance that your efforts will be unappreciated or even abused?" And you're right. There is always the chance that when you extend yourself to others that you stand the risk of being unappreciated and in some cases, even hurt.

But I thank God that despite the risk, Christ was willing to put it all on the line for me. But, are we willing to do the same for others? Are we willing to give grace in the proportion that it is received? Remember, that "to whom much is given, much is demanded" (Luke 12:42). How much of God's grace have you received lately?

Charles A. Tapp

Senior Pastor