You might be thinking it seems too good to be true. To that I will simply say, yes, it does seem that way. Most things that seem too good to be true probably aren’t true. Except this. When you get to the point of wondering if this lavish grace is too good to be true, then you have gotten the point.
The result of someone getting the point is never, ever permission. It is never passive or lazy or apathetic. If it is, then the point has not been made. True reception leads to gratitude, service, worship. I have never been more energized than when I began to understand the fullness of his grace. Because it was not an energy that came from me and my try-hard performance. It was an energy that came from his life in me.
Still, it always seems like people are afraid to talk about grace too much. I notice this particularly with adults as it relates to teenagers. If you teach too much grace, the kids will abuse it. They’ll use it as an excuse. Yes, there is that. I’m never sure what to say when people say that, because of course there is risk. Isn’t everything good risky? We love, even at the risk of rejection. We give to those who can’t give back. We pray for those who will never know. Why would we withhold extending grace because someone might take advantage of the freedoms? Of course they will.
Yesterday, I was so pleased to read an interview with Andy Stanley about his new book, The Grace of God. Finding it couldn’t have come at a better time for this series.
“The church, or I should say, church people, must quit adding the word “but” to the end of our sentences about grace. Grace plus is no longer grace. Grace minus is no longer grace. We are afraid people will abuse grace if presented in its purest form. We need not fear that, we should assume that . . . Of course grace will be abused. But grace is a powerful dynamic. Grace wins out in the end. It is not our responsibility to qualify it. It is our responsibility to proclaim it and model it.”
You can read the entire interview on Michael Hyatt’s blog, and I highly recommend that you do.
We have 3 days left of these days of grace. There are 28 behind us. If there is only one thing you take away from this series, let it be this: grace is getting something I don’t deserve. That’s it. Because Someone came and lived a perfect life so I don’t have to. Someone came so I could walk around free even though I’m guilty. I’m Jean Valjean with a bag full stolen silver, and then The Bishop gives me the candlesticks, too. Someone took a risk on me, and he didn’t wait until I appreciated or understood it. His name is Jesus. His name is Grace.
amen – woohoo – that’s right – love it! I’ll miss all this grace talk in November, I guess I need to pick up Andy Stanley’s new book.
beautiful. and the photo too. love the bokeh.
melissa~afamiliarpath´s last [type] ..Brother and sister
I’m so glad someone noticed the bokeh. It took my breath away when I downloaded these photos after that shoot. It’s like a watercolor painting!
Emily´s last [type] ..31 Days of Grace :: day 28 but what if they abuse it
Can you please enlighten my non-american ignorance? what’s a bokeh?
Oh, it isn’t non-american – it is non-photography geek ! Bokeh is the blurry background of a photo, basically. In this photo, it is a blue-ish greenish color. Glad you asked!
Romans 6:1-12. God has had me in Romans quite a bit recently. I’m sure it’s because of reading your series and in Romans He is the Grace of God. Love the freedom He extends to us, but even more the love.
Southern Gal´s last [type] ..Grace Extended
I could spend the rest of my life in Romans 6-8.
How beautifully put!!! I’m coming in on day 28 (from June’s blog), and I can’t wait to read the days I missed. What you say is so true about grace.
Jesus + zero.
~Lallee
Welcome from June’s blog! I heart June!
struggling this past week….your posts have ministered to my hurting heart.
sometimes, my views on grace are messed up, and this is one of those weeks.
“Someone took a risk on me, and he didn’t wait until I appreciated or understood it. His name is Jesus. His name is Grace.”
i’m so glad that he keeps taking a risk on me and that he doesn’t wait until i appreciate it or understand it…he just keeps giving it to me.
BIG thoughts today … awesome! “Grace minus is no longer grace.” “Why would we withhold extending grace because someone might take advantage…?” I want to post these on my mirror and fridge and steering wheel and…
Katie´s last [type] ..It’s A Just World
Isn’t it funny that we tend to think that extending grace will give someone the freedom to do something he or she never would have done without grace. . . but we assume it’ll be something life-shatteringly bad?
Wonder what it would look like if we thought that extending grace would impart freedom to do something one never would have done without grace. . . and that it would be overwhelmingly good?
Even for people who don’t quite “get” it, grace is the only way that any of us ever gets Him. Seems like the chance of someone’s getting Him is worth whatever risk might be required.
Richella´s last [type] ..My new guest room
You are so very wise, Richella. As always.
Emily´s last [type] ..31 Days of Grace :: day 28 but what if they abuse it
So true…that’s what’s so sad about “church” today…people try to add to grace! It can’t be done! Grace is grace and that is that. Jesus didn’t heal people after they completed a long list of works. He didn’t forgive his accusers after they realized they had killed the Son of God. He didn’t die for me after I repented of my sin every hour upon the hour! He died once for ALL (past, present, and future)-WOW what a gift
allison morrison´s last [type] ..Pictures of Grace…
Oh. You’ll never truly know how much my heart needed these words today. Thank you!
I found you via a twitter from The Nester. ;o) ~Thank you, too!~
awesome. that’s all i have to say. =)
shelley.´s last [type] ..rediscovering the joy of goodenough
Yes, yes and yes.
Yes.
How we struggle with this concept. In a world of addicts where helping is hurting what does grace look like? How do you balance becoming an enabler with showing grace? To allow God to do his refining work, we sometimes must let go.
We are all Jean Valjean.
Eyvonne´s last [type] ..The Best Marriage Advice I Ever Received
Thanks for these inspiring words today, I was in such a horrible mood after coming in late to work today, but after reading this, I feel better =)
Henway´s last [type] ..Dr Natura Promo Code 2010
i’m jean valjean with a bag of stolen silver and i’m handed the candlesticks too. i get it, i finally get it. i put my head down in tears after reading that. thank you.
Best post yet, Emily! Love your grace heart.
this reminds me of the times folks will say–about a child–”he or she just wants attention.” Well…give it to them! When I think of a grace-saturated society I get goosebumps. Thanks for this. I’m going over to read the interview now.
As a pastor’s wife, there are always opportunities to give grace…..after this series I am going to extend it more often and more freely. I have learned that maybe I haven’t done such a great job of it in the past.
Thanks for the teaching! Such a blessing!
Amanda asweetliferocks´s last [type] ..Free Boutique Giveaway
i find that people who haven’t accepted grace for themselves cannot extend it…
FaithHope & Cherrytea´s last [type] ..grace
so true. so true. I’m so thankful He willingly gives His children free and undeserved grace. We could never earn it. And we’ll never be perfect I’m so thankful b/c of Him I don’t have to be. Great Post! Even better Great Blog!
Thanks for stopping by the other day!
This is my favorite grace post yet!
I am so very glad that He did come and that His name is grace! I can’t imagine where I would be without that truth!
gabe´s last [type] ..Fall has become Fallen
Hi Emily,
Thank you for the beautiful post! Grace is truly amazing!
This past year I read a book by Joseph Prince entitled “Destined to Reign”.
This book has opened my eyes to grace in a whole new light. Many of your
readers may enjoy it as well.
Thank you, again, for the beautiful reminder of He did for us during those long 6 hours….He did the hard, so we can do the easy.
And Grace is all I’m clinging too… I am glad there is only one But… I’m a mess… BUT GOD.
I love your words, Emily.
Ann Voskamp@Holy Experience´s last [type] ..Listening to the Stillness in the Storm
Such a mess here too. Thank goodness I’m God’s mess
Emily I’m so thankful you wrote from the “risk” point-of-view. I take the risks anyway, but always wonder the what if’s. Now I realize wondering “what if” is not free and full grace.
So beautiful to be shown more ways to be free and whole.
Tears. The more I know and understand Grace, the more my eyes well up, and my hearts fills. We are loved with an everlasting love. And his Grace is enough.
Thank you.
Kristina Joy´s last [type] ..Pen Scratches
I was just thinking this afternoon while driving , why is it that I often live looking forward to the rewards of Christian life as if I deserve them, ‘cos I don’t. What ever He gives me is out of Grace. That made me feel truly grateful as He has saved me, healed me and keeps blessing me with all kinds of blessings, not one thing that I have earned!
Naturally Carol´s last [type] ..Strawberries & Jam Drops
I can’t believe you referenced Jean Valjean! {sigh} My insides shudder at that scene every time, especially in the movie, and it is one of my all time favorite moments in any play/movie/book. Ever. Because it is arguably the best representation of palpable, powerful, unhuman grace. Love it.
Thank you so much for this! I am brand new to your blog, and was roaming around reading random posts when I saw the 31 days of grace category. Grace is something I have spent the past few months struggling with, so after reading the titles I landed on this article. I have been touched! I also am glad someone else sees the grace in Les Mis! I have been a fan for many years, but only recently saw myself in that light as you mentioned. I plan on becoming a follower of your blog, it has already been an encouragement to me!