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   “Freely you have received, freely give.”  Matt 10:8  

We often admire the classic name “Grace".  It fits perfectly with almost any baby girl name whether sandwiched between a multi syllable first and last name or as a chic stand alone. In addition to the christened name, other connotations of “grace” are mentioned before mealtime, let’s say “grace,” or during a hectic week when you’ve begged for some "grace.” Perhaps you’ve uttered the tongue in cheek comment, “grace us with your presence.”  Reflecting upon my younger self, I’m certain my definition of grace was the answer I learned during Wednesday night bible trivia: “grace is unmerited favor” --  I didn’t earn it, I don’t deserve it but I’m sure glad I have it because now I can skip the usual plea of, “Jesus if I die tonight please save me from hell’s fiery pit.”  If surrendering my life to Jesus saved me from eternal damnation, unmerited favor was a definitive win.  

Stumbling around the dogmas of grace theology has been a long-term venture, one which continues to baffle me when I’ve acted out my nonsense and steeped myself in a steaming brew of condemnation. In my quest of comprehending everything Jesus has done for me, I’ve gleaned a few life-giving discoveries: grace disarms the selfish meisms, grace relieves the anxiety for perfectionism, grace ends the struggle to nurse the hurt of offenses, grace picks me up out of the hot mess of choosing anything other than Christ, washes me off, and says, “You’re a brand new creation, live today in the fullness my abundance!”  

Grace is unhinged religion at its best. Although you may have heard a different story, there’s no ladder of good deeds that land you in a heavenly utopia, there’s no magic formula, no genie in a bottle, no perfect Christian checklist -- grace is discovered in a walking, talking, side by side relationship with the King of Kings. Our Jesus paves the way for us to experience grace and offer His extravagant grace. In Matt 5:8 Jesus gives his disciples instructions that put feet to their faith, “Freely you have received, freely give.”  Jesus is telling his disciples, it’s your turn. GO. Practice what you’ve learned: love with extravagant grace, heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons, Build MY Kingdom.”  How many times have I skimmed over these words “freely you have received, freely give”?  The life-changing possibilities Jesus’ words make me stop in my tracks and take note. What first appears as a simple truth leaves me undone: “freely you have received, freely give.” The ebb and flow of grace possesses the divine power to permanently change me from the inside out.  It offers an identity transformation that defies the temptation to live as a grace consumer and lean into the persona of a grace giver.    

In forgiveness we enter a beautiful exchange of accepting God’s grace; we break free from the chains of old scenarios that bind us to shame of what we’ve done and the bitterness of what’s been done to us. Wherever we find ourselves in the moment of shortcomings, weariness of mind, or physical weakness, let us cling to these words, “God is able to make all grace abound to you so that you may always have complete sufficiency in everything . . .” (2 Cor 9:8 AMP).  

If we’re not jazzed about God’s grace, it’s doubtful that we’re experiencing His free gift of grace! Living in the ebb and flow of freely receiving and freely giving, awakens us to God’s daily intervention in our lives, and shifts our mindset to what is eternal.  Through grace we reframe our circumstances against the background of His sovereignty, and we readily admit we’re a masterpiece in the making. We determine to sync our identity with the lover of our soul, and permit His strength to shine through our weakness, and our pain, so we can boast of His goodness!  In the rhythms of grace we discover the depth of God’s love. In the ebb and flow of grace we learn to love.  

Don't let your heart be troubled

Hold your head up high

Don't fear no evil

Fix your eyes on this one truth

God is madly in love with you

Take courage

Hold on

Be strong

Remember where our help comes from

(Hillsong lyrics, Good Grace)  

Grace and peace,

Serena 

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