When my children were little, I taught them to tell nurses “Thank-you,” when they were given shots. My young son’s lips would quiver and eyes would tear up as he choked out the words. His older sister, who had experienced eleven-and-a-half more months of life than he, would clearly say the words but proclaim something very different with her eyes. By the time my third child learned to talk and had her turn, she would say “thank you” in such a pathetic manner that more than one nurse asked how I could be so mean.
I explained that I wanted my children to understand that even though the nurses were hurting them, they were doing it out of concern for their well-being, that it was actually an act of grace. Child number four?
My youngest daughter? The day she had her allergy tests I had to catch and grab onto her to keep her from running away. In her defense, she was facing a plethora of needles. I honestly do not remember what she said to the nurse. However, I do recall her bragging how the boy who made fun of her in the
waiting room for trying to run away ended up crying during the actual test, but she didn’t.
Usually when I think of grace, especially grace from God, I picture His provisions, blessings and such. I imagine the warm fuzzies of life; like how He inspires my husband to hug me after a trying day or clues me to share an encouraging word with a friend. His grace is felt when He provides for me, keeps my loved ones safe, heals a friend or speaks gently to my heart. His greatest demonstration of grace took place when He lived purposefully on earth and willingly shed His blood for our sins. I am so thankful for all these
things, but what about the times when He shares His grace in the form of a reprimand? Grace is an unmerited act of love from God for our regeneration and sanctification. Grace isn’t always sweet, but it is always good when it’s from God. Sometimes His grace is a painful but protective shot in the heart.
Look at the following scriptures: Revelation 1:4-6 (NIV) John, To the seven churches in the province of Asia: Grace and peace to you from Him who is, and who was, and who is to come, and from the seven spirits before His throne, and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by His blood, and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve His God and Father—to Him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen.
Revelation 3:19 (NIV) Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent.
All seven churches were greeted the same in chapter one. All seven experienced God’s grace. The church of Philadelphia was the only one that did not receive a word of correction. God gave them a special blessing for their faithfulness. The church of Sardis was sharply rebuked for the majority of the people there were phony. The encouraging word given to Philadelphia and the cutting message that Sardis received were equally acts of love and grace.
We are wise to willingly submit to His sanctification process in our lives while it is still in its most gentle stage. So, how would you like God to be saying grace?