Do Not Depart

Encouragement and Tools to Abide in God's Word

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Say it like you mean it!

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We humans have to work hard at being thankful. When we give something to our toddlers we prompt, “Now what do you say?” Worse yet, when those toddlers become adolescents, we parents still have to say, “Did you forget something?” Only to hear the reply, “oh yeah, thhaaannnkkss.” (Can’t you just hear the attitude?)

Unfortunately, we don’t get a whole lot better as adults. Sincere, unsolicited gratitude as a natural response to a kindness given can be rare. Yet, this is the very picture Scripture paints of the thankful attitude God expects of His children.

If we want to please God, we need to be thankful. But what does that look like? What does God mean when His Word says things like:

  • Sing to the LORD with thanksgiving Psalm 147:7
  • …always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Ephesians 5:20
  • Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving presents your requests to God. Philippians 4:6

According to the Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament, the primary meaning of the root word translated in its various forms as “thanks” or “thanksgiving” in the Old Testament, is “to acknowledge or confess sin, God’s character and works, or man’s character.” The Hebrew language does not have an “independent concept of thanks.”

Based on the Old Testament understanding, the attitude of thanks we are familiar with is intertwined with confession and praise. All three – confession, praise, and thanksgiving – are the appropriate responses to who God is and what He has done. It requires that we recognize and acknowledge our sinful nature, God’s holy character, or His gracious works of kindness towards us.

New Testament Greek makes more of a distinction. The Greek word primarily translated as “thanks,” “thankfulness,” and “thanksgiving,” is eucharistia. The NT understanding of thanksgiving is a response to a grace given; the acceptance of a kindness done with the acknowledgement that it was undeserved.

Did you recognize that Greek word, eucharistia? This same word – from which we get the Latin derivation “Eucharist” – also refers to the Lord’s Supper or Holy Communion. The next time you participate in the Lord’s Supper remember it is an act of thanksgiving, a response to God’s ultimate act of grace!

But God’s kindness to us did not end with Jesus’ sacrificial death on the cross. He continuously pours out His grace. Daily, God acts towards us with kindness we do not deserve. As His undeserving children, we should constantly recognize His grace and acknowledge it before Him.

How often do we offer God thanksgiving with the wrong attitude? How often do we simply fail to acknowledge God’s kindness and grace towards us? Will you take a few minutes today to recognize and acknowledge Him for what He has done?

History reminds us to be thankful

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For the past month we’ve reflected on life in the Body of Christ and what it’s like to be a member of it. How fitting it is that the month ends with observances of significant moments in the church’s story.

While many people celebrate Halloween on October 31st, that day in 1517 is remembered as a pivotal day in church history. A young professor was concerned that people were trying to buy their way into relationship with God, so he went to the town bulletin board (the door of Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany) and posted a notice written in Latin, announcing a discussion, along with 95 items to consider. Martin Luther didn’t know his “Ninety-five Thesis” would be translated into German and spread across Europe like leaves on a blustery day. It was used to stir hearts of common men to know the truth of God’s Word and experience salvation by grace alone.  Luther paid a high price for declaring his convictions and was labeled an outlaw.

We can be thankful for those who stood firm through past centuries, so that the church has endured and thrived. As this new month begins, it reminds us of another  significant day in church history. More than 1500 years ago lies were circulating about the person of Jesus Christ (sound familiar?), so a council was called in Chalcedon (across from Constantinople) to unite in the truth. This was first millennium Scripture Digging!

In 325 the Council of Nicea had affirmed that Christ is fully God, but the Council of Chalcedon took on the question about Christ’s humanity. Peter (the one on whom Jesus said He would build His church) warned in 2 Peter 2:1 that people would come to try and confuse the truth. They did, and they still do. On November 1, 451 the church leaders in Chalcedon declared a unified agreement that Jesus Christ is fully God, fully human, one person, with two distinct natures.  It wouldn’t be for another thousand years that Martin Luther would hammer his list of concerns onto the Wittenberg door to clarify that Jesus Christ is sufficient to save men by His grace.

Followers of Christ continue to suffer today for their faithfulness.  The history of the Church, of the individual PEOPLE of the Church, has passed on a great heritage to those of us today who still follow Christ, who still love His truth, who still want to dig into His Word. What other response can we give, but to be full of gratitude?

This month join us as we look at Thanks Giving. We’ll explore what the word means, examples of gratitude and ingratitude, how to be thankful in hard times, ways to express gratitude to God, and our own personal stories of growing in gratefulness. After considering our salvation and the growth of the church, our hearts are full.

In Jeremiah 33:11 our Heavenly Father invites us,  “Give thanks to the LORD Almighty, for the LORD is good; his love endures forever.” We invite you to dig in with us this month to discover the beauty of giving thanks.

If we are the body…

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I hope that you have been blessed and challenged by our look at the beautiful and sometimes difficult thing we know as the local church. As believers in Christ, we are part of the body… and if we are the body, what does that mean?

It’s difficult. It’s messy. It’s painful. It’s beautiful. – We opened our series considering how close the church is to God’s heart, and therefore how close it should be to our own.

The birth of the church – Sandra looked at the very beginning of the Church at Pentecost and reminded us that we can’t take a time-out. The church has a job to do!

From one church to many – We buckled our seatbelts and took a fast-paced overview of the development of the Church through Acts and the epistles.

What is “church?” – Kathy reminded us that the church is not a building and used Ephesians 2 to define for us what the church is really all about.

Why all these denominations? – Teri Lynne distinguished between religion and denomination and gave a broad overview of the differences between the denominations.

Can’t we all just get along? – Julie reminded us what really matters.

You need a local church – Sandra explained how God has provided the perfect environment for spiritual growth within the local church.

Connection is key to service – Stephanie taught us that we are saved to serve, and that we need one another to function as the body.

Sock shopping – Julie looked at how consumerism in the church is like sock shopping.

Sin causes pain in the body – Kathy tackled the tough topic of church discipline and why it is so essential for healthy body life.

Give grace – Teri Lynne challenged us to give grace to one another, whether we know each other’s life circumstances or not.

When is it ok to leave? – Kathy looked at Biblical principles to guide us through this tough question.

Welcome forgiveness – Julie shared her own personal story of welcoming forgiveness when rifts occur in the body.

It’s not what you think it is – Teri Lynne gave us a great picture of what worship really entails.

Service in the church – Sandra reminded us that the the body of Christ needs all of us and all of our gifts to function effectively.

Truth, justice, and the congregation’s way? – Teri Lynne challenged us to stand for the truth of the Gospel, recognize God’s justice in all things, and submit to God’s ways in all areas.

Loving lavishly – Stephanie asked us to examine whether or not we really love one another in the body.

Loving Lavishly

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Love. Its presence validates us. Its absence makes our faith questionable. The Bible tells us love is to be a defining characteristic in the life of every believer.

If we say we love God, yet we don’t love our brothers and sisters in Christ, then how real is our love? If anyone says, “I love God,” yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen. 1 John 4:20 (NIV)

But love doesn’t always come easily. Personalities clash. Conflicts occur. People let us down and sometimes even knock us down when what we really need is a hand up. Then there are those who are contentious. Always stirring the pot. Gossips. Busybodies. Critical complainers who are seldom satisfied. The proud who arrogantly promote themselves and their “service for the Lord.” The lazy who murmur about what needs to be done, yet won’t lift a finger to help. The self-seeking; the whiny; the wimpy and the wayward. The argumentative; the audacious and the angry.

Definitely not an easy bunch to love.

But we aren’t called to love because someone is worthy. We are called to love because we have been loved in the midst of our own unworthiness. We are God’s children – and as His children we are to love others with the love of Christ. Unmerited, sacrificial, continuous and abundant love. It’s not a suggestion. It’s a command. Love one another.

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:35

Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 1 John 4:11

“But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.” Luke 6:27-28

Unfortunately, the church is filled with contentious converts who cause the world to wonder what in the world to believe. While unbelievers stand in need of the love of Christ, congregations are splitting over the color of the carpet, the choice of songs or a simple difference of opinion. May it not be so, Lord. May it not be so!

Have you ever heard of a hand choosing to separated from the arm? Or an eye being separated from the head? We are the church. The called out ones. The bride of Christ. The body of Christ. Family. And God calls us to love each other lavishly. To be conduits of grace, especially to one another. That’s one of the primary ways we show the world that Jesus lives in us – by our love for one another.

I think that sometimes we talk about love, yet we really aren’t sure what it is. God gives us His definition of love in 1 Corinthians 13. Many years ago, I began to use it as a “Love Test” for myself. To measure my love in light of His Word.

1 Corinthians 13:4-8 tells us what love is and what love isn’t:

Love is patient. (Am I patient?)

Love is kind. (Am I kind?)

Love isn’t jealous. (Am I jealous?)

It doesn’t sing its own praises. (Am I being boastful?)

It isn’t arrogant. (Am I arrogant?)

It isn’t rude. (Am I rude?)

It doesn’t think about itself. (Am I self-centered?)

It isn’t irritable. (Am I irritable?)

It doesn’t keep track of wrongs. (Do I keep track of wrongs?)

It isn’t happy when injustice is done, but it is happy with the truth. (Am I happy when others suffer? Do I rejoice in honesty)

Love never stops being patient. (Am I weary with being patient?)

Never stops believing. (Have I stopped believing the best about someone?)

Never stops hoping. (Have I stopped hoping?)

Never gives up. (Have I given up on someone?)

Love never comes to an end. (Has my love ceased to exist for someone?)

The way you answer these questions will reveal whether or not you are truly loving someone or not.

We are called to love each other in spite of ourselves. In spite of our failures and flaws. We need to remember that we are all a work in progress.

The next time you are finding it difficult to love your neighbor as yourself, give yourself the 1 Corinthians 13 “Love Test” and remember to…

1. Give each other room to fail

2. Give each other room to grow

3. Give each other room to be human

4. Love beyond their failures and flaws, just as God has loved you beyond your failures and flaws.

Do you struggles with loving others? Have you been hurt by someone in the church who hasn’t loved well? Have you hurt others by your own lack of love? Do you need to reconcile with someone you failed to love regardless of whether they deserved it or not? Is your faith confirmed by your love for others?

May we love each other with the love with which we have been loved. Undeservedly, sacrificially, abundantly and consistently!


Truth, Justice, and the Congregation’s Way?

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SupermanWith two younger brothers, much of my childhood was filled with superhero role-playing.  In fact, when we were all under five, my brothers’ room was decorated in the various heroes of the day – Superman, Batman, and good ol’ Spidey.  I, of course, was always Wonder Woman.  (Hey, it was the 70s, y’all, we all thought Lynda Carter was IT!)

Whenever we played, we always knew our hero’s catch phrase … and the favorite of both boys was Superman.  If I close my eyes tight enough, I can still see two tow-headed little boys running about in towel-capes with one arm forward and one back yelling, “Truth, Justice, and the American Way.”

Now, as a pastor’s wife, I’ve learned the new rallying call in many Christian circles … Tradition, Judgment, and MY way. There are moments in ministry when I feel as though my heart will break.  We have lost sight of important principles and replaced them with personal agenda.   In doing so, we have also forsaken the priority of God’s Word and His standards regarding our behavior as individual believers and as the Church collective.

We have replaced Truth with Tradition.

Far too many churches have gone far too long without asking the question, “Is this activity, ministry, or function grounded in the TRUTH of God’s Word or in the comfort of our TRADITION?” Paul spoke clearly to the church at Colosse,

“See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than Christ” (Colossians 2:8 NIV, emphasis added).

While traditions of themselves are neither good nor bad, when we allow traditions to take priority over proclaiming the truth of God’s Word, we have elevated them to an ungodly and sinful place.  In all things, we must be willing to ask if the tradition is rooted in and bringing forth truth … or if it has become hollow and focused on celebrating the past rather than crying out the grace of the Gospel.

We have replaced Justice with Judgment.

Oh that we could trust in the justice of God without feeling the need to exact judgment on one another! Again, we find that Paul speaks to this idea,

“Everything is permissible – but not everything is beneficial.  Everything is permissible – but not everything is constructive.  Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others … So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God” (Romans 10:23-24, 31 NIV).

We look around our sanctuaries and worship centers finding reasons that we are better than others – from choices regarding the education of our children to holiday traditions, from socioeconomic factors to generational prejudice, from our own insecurities to others’ previous lifestyles – we can be a judgmental lot!  And in being so quick to judge, we lose sight of this simple yet eternal truth:  We serve a just God.  The reality is while we focus on judging one another the world around us is dying without hope and salvation. We prefer to focus on the loving, forgiving part of God’s nature – but we must never, ever forget that we are called to “Go ye therefore and make disciples” … for the God who has offered us salvation is just and the “wages of sin is death.” (References to Matthew 28:19 and Romans 3:23)

We have replaced God’s Way with My Way.

Churches are filled with people who have been conditioned to “Have it Your Way!”  We are consistently guilty of giving corporate worship and fellowship far less devotion that the Lord intended.   We come when we feel like it, serve when it’s convenient, and give what we feel we can. Again, we find that Paul has a word for us,

“Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God (Ephesians 5:1-2 NIV).

Paul reminds us that we are called to live in the manner of Christ … not of the world.  And Christ’s life was marked by humility (Philippians 2:5-8), service (John 13:2-17), and sacrifice (Hebrews 10:8-10).  And so, if we are to live in God’s way, our lives must bear witness to those same qualities. We must lay aside preference and personal taste and focus instead on serving, on forgiving, on giving grace, and on true worship.

Fellow believers, will we be the generation that lays down tradition and self-righteousness, judgment and self-fulfillment, and  pride and selfishness?  Will we stand up for the TRUTH of the Gospel of Jesus Christ?  Will we recognize the JUSTICE of the God we serve?  And will we submit to GOD’S WAY in all things big and small?  Will we?

Service in the Church

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We got ready to leave for church last Sunday and my five year old asked, “Mommy, why do we have to go watch the babies? It’s no fun.” It would be easy to say, “Because I said so.” That may work with my five year old. But I need to be able to communicate why we serve in the church to a fifteen year old, and a twenty-five year old, and a fifty year old. “Because I said so” doesn’t cut it for long.

God says to each one of us, “You need to serve. This is how you serve. This is where you serve. This is why you serve.” You find these instructions in 1 Corinthians chapter 12 in the discussion on spiritual gifts:

• There is a variety of gifts, but the Spirit is the gift giver (v. 4)
• They are for the edification of the church (v. 7)
• No gift is superior to another (v. 12)
• We depend on one another (v. 26)
• All gifts are necessary for the health of the church (v. 28)

I love sports, but I’m not athletic. Back when I had to take PE classes, I was always picked when the team captains were running out of options. Eventually, I learned just to stick to the sidelines. But on God’s team, I’m not picked last and I can’t just watch the game from the stands. He has a way for me to serve His body the church. He gifted me specifically for my service. Ken Hemphill says, “First, there are no spectators in the Body of Christ. You were saved and gifted by God to serve for the advancement of the Kingdom. Second, all members of the body must work cooperatively for the church to operate with full effectiveness. You are important to the work of your church.”

Making the body of Christ work effectively takes all of us (and all of our gifts). If you feel like you’ve been standing on the sidelines, pray and ask God how He would have you serve. You may feel His nudge to respond to a request for more nursery workers. Or, you may sign-up to welcome visitors and help them feel comfortable entering your church. However God has gifted you, please don’t let that gift waste away. Remember these convicting words from Ken Hemphill,  “Any Christian who fails to discover and utilize his or her gift in service to or through the church sins against the King and weakens His body, the church.”

For more:

It’s Not What You Think It Is

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I am a die-hard Auburn Tigers football fan.  I have been known (ahem) to keep a whiteboard next to the couch on Saturdays with game times and channels so I could more effectively keep track of how every other game being played affected my Tigers.  I yell and jump around, do victory dances, and have been known to to leave the room after an exceptionally bad play.  I’m a lunatic … in fact, some might say I’m a fanatic.  Okay, honestly, some have said – including my husband who, when preaching a sermon on worship, used my football-insanity as an example of what worship looks like.   See, I’m changed on game days … watching Auburn play affects my countenance and it affects what I do and how I act when the game is over.

In the church, we need to understand the importance of worship. And recognize what worship is and is not.  Worship isn’t  “choruses” or hymns, pipe organs or electric guitars, standing or sitting, hands up or down … worship is far better defined as “Worth-Ship.”  And, as my husband likes to remind our church, we ALL give worth-ship to something.  In fact, we were created to do so.  The issue isn’t, “How do we worship?”  The real question is, “What or who do we worship?”

Isaiah 1 reveals to us what God intends our worship of Him to be.  God had clearly told the Israelites what He desired from them in terms of worship.  He had outlined a full sacrificial system designed not only to meet their need of forgiveness but also to meet their need for worship.  But, it was not their sacrifices He wanted … it was their hearts.

“The multitude of your sacrifices – what are they to me?” says the Lord.  “I have more than enough of burnt offerings, of rams and the fat of fattened animals.  I have no pleasure in the blood of bulls and lambs and goats.”  v. 11 NIV

They were doing what they had been commanded, what they had been instructed.  God continues by saying, “Stop bringing meaningless offerings! … I cannot bear your evil assemblies” (v. 13).  He tells them their festivals and feasts “have become a burden” and speaks of being weary of them (v.14).

In verse 15 we find this eye-opening statement:

“When you spread out your hands in prayer, I will hide my eyes from you; even if you offer prayers, I will not listen.”

Can you imagine God saying to us, “Enough!  Enough of your songs and dramas, enough of your creeds and rituals, enough of the pretense!”

That’s what God was saying to the Israelites.  They were in day-to-day life no different from any other people and yet they continued to do all those “things” they had been commanded.    And God said (and continues to say), “Enough!”

Then He gives us these beautiful words of hope:

“Stop doing what is wrong and learn to do right! Seek justice, encourage the oppressed.  Defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow … Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool.”  (v.16 – 19)

Worshiping God isn’t about what we do in church … it’s about what we do when we leave. It doesn’t matter what songs are sung and what (if any!) instruments are a part.  Worship isn’t music style or preference and when we limit it to that, we miss the great joy of experiencing worship in spirit and in truth (John 4:23-24).   Worship, true worship, will always change us!

Just like the result of an Auburn football game affects what I do after the final whistle is blown, so worship – if it is real – will affect what we do after we have experienced it.

Have you experienced true worship?  How has that changed you?

Image: Jordan-Hare Stadium by Scott Fillmer

Welcome Forgiveness

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We were ministry leaders when our staff supervisor changed our structure. For no special reason, I was told first and asked to explain to Debbie*. She had been in our ministry longer than I had, and she was older than I was. Debbie listened quietly, but I could see her heart was not quiet.

In the next weeks, her quiet became deafening to me; I knew she was offended. At our meeting with our supervisor, Debbie’s husband came to help her work through the injury. The staff member tried to explain what happened, making it known the change did not come from me, but the damage was already done. Life in the church can be painful. When “Body parts” are moving, we can inflict damage on each other. I confessed my inadequate sensitivity; I asked for forgiveness.  It was denied.  I felt sick.

For months it weighed heavily on my heart. My Christian sister withdrew from ministry. I noticed she stopped coming to church.  Her husband looked sad. I felt responsible.

God was moving in my own family during these months, until He took us to Asia as full-time missionaries. I knew I was leaving behind a damaged sister in Christ, and I felt helpless. I prayed. I hoped. And ultimately I packed up my stuff and my concern, and I left. I never stopped praying God would work in the heart of my sister in Christ. Sadly, much pain in the Body of Christ comes from other Body members.  Though the Spirit lives in us, we often default to our flesh, and that causes pain.

Several years later God brought us back to our church for a time of transition. During those few months, I noticed the absence of my one time ministry co-laborer. I remembered how 2 women who once served alongside each other (Phil. 4:2-3) experienced conflict in church life. It didn’t seem right. I knew it didn’t honor God or His name. Perhaps that’s why Paul urged them to get along and “stand firm.” I knew what God wanted. It required crucifying my pride and taking up my cross (Luke 9:23).

Years had passed. I picked up the phone and called Debbie. At her door, I told her I knew I had hurt her years before, doing damage that drew her away from the Lord. I told her I knew she hadn’t been ready to accept my apology before, but I wanted to ask again for her forgiveness, so she and I could be free.  I waited.  I prayed. I braced myself.

She threw her arms around me and hugged me, tearfully telling me she had wished she had forgiven me and offered her apologies. She wanted to be free of the burden, but knew she had rejected me. She wondered if she would ever get another chance.  The Lord made sure she did.

When I left I felt the joy of being forgiven, the joy of reconciliation, and the joy of knowing a stain on the Body of Christ had been wiped clean. I love His name, and I don’t want anything I do to injure it.

Have you been hurt?  Have you hurt?  Has it been years?  Maybe it’s time to go prayerfully knock on that door and be set free!

*Name changed

When is it okay to leave?

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“When is it okay to leave one church to go to another?” Although there are not any passages in the Bible that specifically say “You should change churches when…” there are plenty of truth principles in Scripture to guide us in this matter. So that’s where we’ll start to find some answers!

Biblical Foundation

God calls every Christian into a local church where he or she can serve. First Corinthians 12:18 teaches that God puts each church together as He sees fit. He calls every Christian to a specific place of service in a specific church. God works to fully equip each local church to meet the needs of its members and to fulfill His purposes for that church in His world.

Although we personally benefit from the spiritual nourishment and fellowship we receive from the church, God’s specific placement of us is first and foremost for the benefit of that body and its members, not for us! According to Romans 12:5, “each member belongs to all the others.”

Our spiritual gifts are given to us by God so we can serve the body and help it grow in unity and spiritual maturity (Ephesians 4:11-13).

So, these biblical truths will help us tackle our question:

  • God calls every Christian to be a part of a local church.
  • God builds each local church, as He sees fit, to prepare them for His purposes.
  • God places each of us in a specific church for a specific place of service.
  • God gifts every Christian for the purpose of serving the members of their church in which He has placed them.

Application of Biblical Principles

The biblical truths about God’s design for the church can guide us as we make decisions about church membership.

Seek God diligently:

The choice of what church to serve in is God’s, not ours. We must diligently seek God’s will and obey His direction. A move should never be based on our feelings or desires. That decision is always rightfully God’s alone.

We must depend on God and trust His direction.

Carefully weed out any selfish motives:

God’s placement of us in a church is primarily to benefit others. We must be very cautious about leaving one church for another if our reasons have anything to do with “our needs.” I know from personal experience that this is a tough one. My husband and I once struggled over staying in a church we believed God had called us to because our kids were having a difficult time finding their place.

On the other hand, I’ve seen countless Christians change churches as casually as they change grocery stores. They leave and go down the street because they like the music better or they have a stronger youth program. These reasons are all about us – what we want, what we like, what we can get out of it. That’s consumer Christianity. We’re called to serve, not to be served.

Ask God to show you if your desire to leave your church is based on selfish reasons or His direction.

Look for your place of service:

Remember, God places us in a body based on how He wants us to serve in it. If it’s obvious that God is still using the gifts He gave you in the body you’re in, then He probably wants you to stay put. However, if God makes you aware of a specific need in another church body that He has uniquely gifted you to meet, then He may be calling you to serve there. Again, seek God’s guidance to determine if He is calling you to serve in a specific way in another body.

Spiritual apostasy:

According to both Martin Luther and John Calvin, a true church will preach the Word of God accurately and rightly administer baptism and the Lord’s Supper as acts of obedience rather than acts of salvation. If false doctrines are being taught and you’ve exerted every effort to see it corrected, then it may be time to leave.

Choosing a church in a new city or changing churches in the same town is serious, spiritual business. We must never make the decision lightly or without God’s direction. Take the time to seek Him diligently.

Give Grace

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Grace … receiving what we do not deserve.

We cling to this verse:

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith–and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast.   Ephesians 2:8-9, NIV

Not from ourselves.  Not of ourselves.  Not through ourselves.

We can’t earn grace.  We don’t deserve grace.  It is the gift of God.

But somehow, though we have been given such great grace so freely, we are stingy with it. We demand grace be given according to our need and yet we resist offering that same grace to others.

It happens in churches.  A lot.

The pastor’s sermon isn’t as well delivered as I’d like.

The worship leader doesn’t sing the same words as are on the screen.

The Sunday School teacher is distracted and the lesson isn’t very good.

The nursery worker failed to change the baby’s diaper before I picked her up  so she was wet.  Very wet.

No one spoke to me during the welcome time.

But what if you knew that the pastor had been at the hospital all night comforting parents whose child had been in a car accident and was in a coma.

Or what if you knew the worship leader had received a call early Sunday morning that his best friend’s wife had left him.

What if the Sunday School teacher hadn’t studied because he was laid off last week and was just having a hard time figuring out how to trust God in the midst of his fears about providing for his family.

And what if that nursery worker hadn’t changed your sweet baby’s diaper because she had spent time comforting the child of a visitor who had never been to church before.

What if the people who normally speak to you didn’t because they were checking on a young widow who was back at church for the first time since her husband’s tragic death.

Does that make a difference?

Should it?

Truthfully, not a bit.

Our extension of grace should never be based on our feelings or understanding of a situation.  Instead, we are called to give grace because we have received grace.

And, this is never more true than in our local faith families.  Jesus spoke to this truth plainly:

“A new command I give you:  Love one another.  As I have loved you, so you must love one another.  By this all men will know that you are my disciples if you love one another.”  John 13:34-35, NIV

Love gives grace … willingly.

We must give grace in our words.

Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.  Colossians 4:6 NIV

We must give grace to prevent conflict.

See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.  Hebrews 12:15 NIV

We must give grace as we serve.

Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.   1 Peter 4:10 NIV

Am I saying this will be easy?  Nope!  It won’t.  In fact, giving grace is hard.  Giving grace requires laying down self and giving priority to others.  Giving grace necessitates that we let go of our expectations and focus instead on encouraging others.

But time and again, I have seen this truth:  Grace multiplies!

And so my challenge to you is to give grace in your church.  To the pastors, the leaders, the teachers, the nursery workers, the technical crew, and to the people in the pews.

Time and again, give grace!   Not because “they” deserve it but because you didn’t deserve it either.

Have you seen grace multiplied in your church?  How can you give grace this week?

{I’ve also written on this idea of giving grace relating to online relationships for Gather Inspirit.}

 

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