Love and Grace

This current trial in my life has brought to light much of my own sin, and not just the sin of my offender. Certain sins have been made very real to me and I now recognize the deep depravity involved, the grossness and perversion of sin - no matter what kind of sin it is. Sin is sin. This refreshed realization has given me the freedom and ability to extend grace to those who have wronged me. I have been forgiven for my horrific crimes against God - how dare I be unwilling to forgive those who have hurt me? I am no less of a sinner than they, and they are no greater a sinner than me. We all deserve hell. We all are offered God's grace. And our responsibility as God's children is to point others to that grace. This means putting aside our rights (or really, what we think we are entitled to - because in all honesty, the only thing any of us truly deserve is hell)...but putting aside ourselves and replace it with God's love. 1 Corinthians 13 speaks about love and lays out plainly the requirements of true love. The first point made is love without action is worthless. It means nothing. It just gets annoying. We can talk all we want about love and grace, but it we do not practice it, what good does that do? Enough talk. Let's get to work!

And it is work. Extending love and grace is easy when things are fine and dandy (when you and your spouse are getting along or your children are being obedient, etc.) Easier said than done when you've been offended or betrayed. This is where denying ourselves, taking up the cross and following Christ comes into play. This is where we must remember our own depravity and the forgiveness and grace God extended to us. (And dare I say, so graciously continues to extended to us. Praise Him!) And He will help. he doesn't expect us to go through life alone and be successful in surviving life's trials, because He knows we can't. He eagerly awaits us to come before His throne, hands open and lifted up, ready to receive the wisdom and strength that only He can provide. Attempts of love and grace on our own will only fail and lead to disaster. With God's help, there is guidance, joy and contentment in the midst of trial.

To be continued...

In spite of me...

The past five weeks have brought a huge learning curve into my life. There is so much on my heart, but I must start with just one bite at a time.
What the Lord has placed on my heart this morning to share concerns our children. I have not been the kindest mommy to my own the past 24 hours and the Lord gently reminded me that I can't do this parenting thing on my own. I can't do this parenting thing without total surrender of my rights and will and wants. I can't do this marriage thing without total surrender of my rights, my will and my wants. I can't do life without being face down on the floor, in total surrender, begging God that He be glorified through my life, in spite of me.
Oh, if we would live in constant surrender...imagine the possibilities! I don't believe we can even comprehend the blessings God would pour down if we would just get over ourselves. I have found joy and contentment when filled with the Holy Spirit, whereas there is only frustration and anxiety when I try to go through life on my own strength.

My prayer today is that the Lord would be glorified through my parenting and my marriage in spite of the wretched and selfish that soul I am.

Feel free to share your prayer in the comments below.