It's In Other Words Tuesday and Patricia of Typing One-Handed is our host. She's chosen the following quote for us to write about this week:
God's grace is amazing. I'm so thankful that He loves me and saved me. It took me many years to understand grace and ...I'm still learning.
I don't deserve His love. There was nothing in myself I could do to earn His love. My sin separated me from God.
"For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 6:23 NIV
I find it easier to give than to receive. I've always enjoyed giving gifts to people but lately the tables have been turned. I've had to learn to receive graciously.
God's grace is all about unmerited favor. I couldn't earn it and I didn't deserve it. My good works couldn't save me.
But God created me in His image to be in relationship with Him. And the only way I could truly come to know Him was ...through Jesus.
Jesus is the way to God. He lived a perfect life and paid the penalty for my sin. In response, I received the gift and my heart fills with love and gratitude.
In my humanness, I can easily look at others and think "I'd never do that sin or I'm not that bad." But in God's eyes, sin is sin and He cannot be in the presence of sin (even one tiny little speck of sin).
So instead of looking at others who are living a lifestyle that I know is wrong ...I pray for them.
I ask God to help me see others through Jesus' eyes.
What happens when I do this? I love as Jesus loves.
Jesus looked at Peter and saw what he would become. Peter was a simple fisherman but Jesus saw a fisher of men. (Matthew 4:18-19)
I'm so thankful for His grace towards me. He looked past what I was and saw who I would become because of who I belong to. How amazing is that?
When God looks at me ...He sees Jesus. Jesus lives in and through me as I surrender my life to Him for His purposes.
I love His grace. In response I want to extend His grace towards others. How about you?
Blessings and love,
If only I could see through Jesus' eyes all the time. I am so guilty of looking at something simply based on circumstances and not looking at it through spiritual eyes.
ReplyDeleteI have a long way to go yet. But thank goodness the Lord is patient with me!
Hugs
Kim
Such lovely words from a lovely heart sis.
ReplyDeleteDebbie,
ReplyDeleteThank you, my friend! Your words always bless me.
"When God looks at me ...He sees Jesus."
If only we could have the same eyes as we look at our fellow believers...especially when they stumble. It is easier to reach out a hand to lift them up when we are looking at them with compassion...the very heart of grace.
I'm so glad you shared today!
It's all about Grace!
ReplyDeleteLove & Blessings,
Kim
Amen! It's so true-there are people who will irritate us, who will have us feeling, that is wrong what they are doing,but that's where instead of slamming the door on them, we need to just love them more-It doesn't mean we condone what they are doing but that instead repaying like with like, we instead repay with love and prayer and keep placing it on our Father's arms and say, Lord, they need Your love and my heart needs to see them, not my eyes, and to love them.
ReplyDeleteAt one time, someone was praying for us that we would come to know the Lord and at one time so why deny others what we are blessed by to have. It's not for us to decide.
The Phillip Yancy quote is wonderful! Have a great grace filled day, Debbie. You really get it. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteWow, that's a great quote on grace. I really like that.
ReplyDeleteAnd here I am again, you betcha it's easier for me to give (and want to) than receive....and sort of "have the control" maybe? Is this a form of my pride Carol Joy?
ReplyDeleteI ask myself this all the time and really have to go over and over in my mind the story of the speck in someone else's eye....to the LOG in mine!!! I love humble people and yet why do I fight the very things that can make me humble? Whew! You are yielded to God even though this path is a different one.... and nothing is more beautiful. Keep on keeping on Debbie!
xxxxxxx
"Carol Joy"
Oh Praise God that He sees Jesus, and not me!! I have been really working recently on trying to see through the eyes of Jesus, and not with my own human limited ones. I need lots of work here. Have a good day Debbie...Hugs, Debbie
ReplyDeleteI have a REALLY bad case of bronchitis and would appreciate a prayer or two if you get the chance...THANK YOU.... = )
"He looked past who I was and saw what I could become," wow what a good statement. That is definitely what His grace is all about. Thanks for sharing today.
ReplyDeleteThis post is so timely-I so need His grace and favor on my health right now as I'm facing some very serious issues which could be life-threatening. Thank you dear one for sharing this today.
ReplyDeleteHugs, Noreen
With Karen, the quote that really touched me was "He looked past what I was and saw who I would become because of who I belong to." I am so glad for that! What a wonderful, upliting, hope bringing statement! :-)
ReplyDeletei love to come here and see you graciously extending your hands. may i have the courage to extend a hand instead of casting judgement. have a blessed day, sister.
ReplyDeleteThis is so true! God's grace is amazing! I am always encouraged by His love and grace to such a wretched sinner as I am. It makes me want to love Him and live for Him. Thanks for sharing with us. Take care and have a blessed week!
ReplyDeleteWarm Regards,
Nancie
Great post my Sister. I am thankful for God's grace towards me and I try to extend grace to others.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad we are hidden behind the cross.
Love you,
Beth
You said it friend. GRACE. I love shouting that word at the mountains in my life.
ReplyDeleteJust wanted to send you a hug today,
Sarah Dawn
Such a beautiful reminder of God's grace to me. Praise God, His grace is greater than all my sin.
ReplyDeleteThese are lovely thoughts about my favorite thing-God's Grace.
ReplyDeleteHope your move is going well!
His Grace and Mercies endureth...forever! AS always...such an encouraging post and reminder of all the Lord has for us!
ReplyDeleteBlessings & Aloha!
Powerful post, Debbie. Yes, His grace is amazing. None of us deserves it; however He still extends it to us.
ReplyDeleteLove & peace,
Iris
PS: I try to be gracious toward others, since I have received grace from Him.
ReplyDelete