Readings for today: 1 Samuel 28-31, 1 Chronicles 10
Grace is unmerited favor. It is unearned blessing. It is a free gift from God. David understood grace. He understood his entire life up to this point had been filled with grace. Grace brought him from a shepherd’s field to a powerful position within the Kingdom of Israel. Grace won his battle with Goliath. Grace delivered the Philistines into his hands over and over again. And because David walked by grace and lived by grace, he was able to extend it out to others. Like the two hundred men who couldn’t keep up with him when they went into battle. The normal thing to do would be to punish them for their faithlessness. Deny them any part of the victory spoils. But David knew it was God who had given him the victory not his own strength of arms so he could be generous even with those who had let him down. I love how he is so quick to give God all the credit and glory. “But David said, “You shall not do so, my brothers, with what the Lord has given us. He has preserved us and given into our hand the band that came against us.” (1 Samuel 30:23 NET)
Over the years, I’ve become convinced that grace is the most powerful force in the universe. I have seen grace change the hearts of those I love in my own family. I have seen grace change enemies into dear friends. I have seen grace heal divisions in churches. I have seen grace have a transformative effect in ways judgment never could. Grace sees the best in people. Grace sees God’s image in people. Grace refuses to let any barriers get in the way. Just this past week, I experienced grace when spending time with people from multiple different cultures, speaking multiple different languages. My heart was filled by their joy and laughter and tears and sadness. All of it grace upon grace upon grace.
Where has grace changed your life? Where have you seen grace change the lives of others? How can you extend grace to those around you today?
Readings for tomorrow: Psalms 121, 123-125, 128-130