Grace 101

I remember hearing a story about how C.S. Lewis was in a forum or debate with other intellectuals of his day discussing religion, when one of them asked Lewis what made Christianity different than other world religions. He thought a second and answered, "That is easy...it's one word: Grace!" GRACE! Truly, grace is the difference between the way of Christ, and the ways of all others. GRACE ~ The loving acceptance and gifts of God given freely to all regardless of race, religion, culture, age, status, gender...this is the gospel and this is the heart of our God! But, this isn't the heart of all of His people! And, where there exists an attitude of pride, nationalism, partiality or preference among His people...God will go out of His way to change it!

This is where we find God's people in Acts 11...Peter had just had His world rocked by the grace of God in ch. 10. Peter saw how God had brought the gospel and had given His Holy Spirit to the GENTILES, just like He had to the Jews! And, this was so monumental...so radical...such a drastic change for the Jewish background believer like Peter, that it had to God! But, the same way that Peter first resisted in Acts 10, here in Ch. 11 we find the apostles and brethren in Jerusalem resisting when they hear news of it too! Truly, grace can be hard to give...especially when you feel that you are right and they are wrong. But, this was changing in Peter's life as God interrupted his day with a vision and a Gentile Pentecost...grace had come to the gentiles, and now it must come to their hearts! After all, how could they contend with God! If God had given the gentiles the same gift (grace) as He had given the Jews when they believed on Jesus...who were they to withstand God?" Great question...and, they allowed themselves to be changed by God's grace!

I have to ask myself the same question...have I been changed by the grace of God? Is there any partiality, preference or prejudice in my heart? Father, search me...truly, if You (Perfect, Holy, Righteous God) love and accept all people, whom am i to treat others any different? Fill my heart with a new understanding of Your Grace, and ability to give it freely! Let me give it in the same way that i have been glad to receive it from You! Thank you for Your Grace towards me...

Created over 2 years ago