Grace Keepers
How often do we notice the flaws in other people? All the time, I'm certain 90% of us said just now. Most people take advantage of their short-comings and use them as excuses concerning their performance as a human being. Is that fair? No. Should we dismiss it? Probably not in relation to the future. Should they not get a second chance? If it was up to us, of course, they should, but if it's up to God, they deserve one every single time. That can't be right! How is it that someone can do something in such a deliberate manner? How can they be completely aware of the consequences, yet choose to harm someone opposed to not doing so? We do it all the time. God is indeed the gatekeeper to Heaven, but I feel that on earth, we've become the grace keepers concerning who we are.
Who are we to withhold grace from each other? You're a better person than me, we would say when witnessing someone extend 2nd and 55th chances to perpetual thieves, liars, and cheaters. Are they really though? We all possess the same ability. That proves that like them, we choose to be who and what we are in relation to everyone else. How dare we! We walk around, keys in pocket, resistant towards offering any form of redemption on the guilty party. We do it to our parents, children, friends, and especially strangers. God specifically says that whatever you did for the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me (Matthew 25:40). Imagine denying God, the one person who grants you reprieve consistently, the same thing? His face would be slightly contorted, expressing the question, Really? If only we could mention the list of doings we've committed that deserve death, let along jail time.
Being crossed by some isn't the most fun, especially after assuming you both have a solid relationship where the giving and taking is neutral. We have the tendency to cast them into metaphoric pits of lava and hell fire because of something they've done. It can come off as unforgettable and unforgivable. Cuts to the skin will bleed, heal, and scab, but those of the heart reopen every time the air of life hits it. Do you think any of this would be necessary if pain didn't exist? Psychologically, it recreates the moment, replaying what we don't wish to see or remember. An experience can be so sharp, that it cuts in our dreams, during downtime at work, and even when we're doing something we love. How can we give "unmerited favor" when someone didn't favor our feelings and emotions? Wait a minute! Again, don't we do the same...to God? He loves us so much, unconditionally, yet we can't spend ten minutes in His presence without being distracted, choosing the distraction itself over the longevity of His affection and understanding. We do the same to our loved ones. They ask of us and all we give in return is the minimum to nothing.
Stop standing in front of the doorway designated for others to walk through so they no longer have to carry the weight of a graceless experience. You are not God or The King of Kings. You are no indestructible tyrant or Thanos with all six stones. You...are you, just like everyone else. You're different, but you pump red like the next person. If you can block their passage, the same can be done in your case. Where would you be if God closed it off? Who knows! I'm sure you don't want to find out, so don't be the giver of that fear, but the receiver of their unspoken apologies and voiced regrets. Show love. Be love. It can be difficult, but not impossible. We don't own grace because if we won't give it, God will, but if we're made in His image, then...well...there you have it.
Who are we to withhold grace from each other? You're a better person than me, we would say when witnessing someone extend 2nd and 55th chances to perpetual thieves, liars, and cheaters. Are they really though? We all possess the same ability. That proves that like them, we choose to be who and what we are in relation to everyone else. How dare we! We walk around, keys in pocket, resistant towards offering any form of redemption on the guilty party. We do it to our parents, children, friends, and especially strangers. God specifically says that whatever you did for the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me (Matthew 25:40). Imagine denying God, the one person who grants you reprieve consistently, the same thing? His face would be slightly contorted, expressing the question, Really? If only we could mention the list of doings we've committed that deserve death, let along jail time.
Being crossed by some isn't the most fun, especially after assuming you both have a solid relationship where the giving and taking is neutral. We have the tendency to cast them into metaphoric pits of lava and hell fire because of something they've done. It can come off as unforgettable and unforgivable. Cuts to the skin will bleed, heal, and scab, but those of the heart reopen every time the air of life hits it. Do you think any of this would be necessary if pain didn't exist? Psychologically, it recreates the moment, replaying what we don't wish to see or remember. An experience can be so sharp, that it cuts in our dreams, during downtime at work, and even when we're doing something we love. How can we give "unmerited favor" when someone didn't favor our feelings and emotions? Wait a minute! Again, don't we do the same...to God? He loves us so much, unconditionally, yet we can't spend ten minutes in His presence without being distracted, choosing the distraction itself over the longevity of His affection and understanding. We do the same to our loved ones. They ask of us and all we give in return is the minimum to nothing.
Stop standing in front of the doorway designated for others to walk through so they no longer have to carry the weight of a graceless experience. You are not God or The King of Kings. You are no indestructible tyrant or Thanos with all six stones. You...are you, just like everyone else. You're different, but you pump red like the next person. If you can block their passage, the same can be done in your case. Where would you be if God closed it off? Who knows! I'm sure you don't want to find out, so don't be the giver of that fear, but the receiver of their unspoken apologies and voiced regrets. Show love. Be love. It can be difficult, but not impossible. We don't own grace because if we won't give it, God will, but if we're made in His image, then...well...there you have it.
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