The Gains Made By Grace

“All the grace and compassion you’ve shown is above and beyond what anyone could ask for.”

I’m not a nice teacher every day. Some days I’m a sword, but some days I’m a salve. Some days are grueling tests of my patience. Some days are gracious displays of kindness. But one thing the Lord reminded me of today through one of my students is that we are shaped far more by our recognition of undeserved grace, than by conscience-crushing discipline. The narrow way is indeed curbed by God’s laws and His expectations of our obedience to them, but the road itself is paved with mercy. 

As the vessels of the Father and Son on earth, we are called to embody their character. To be immovable against the encroachment of sin, yet merciful to those in bondage to it. We are called to be both sword and salve, both convicting and compassionate. Yet unfortunately, as creatures of habit, we tend to react to our surroundings and treat others accordingly. Far too often, we treat others based on how they treat us. Far too often, we react to their brokenness and immaturity in kind.

Jesus said that at the time of the end, when wickedness increases, “the love of most will grow cold, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.” Which means that Satan will do everything in his power to ensure that the love of Christ will not endure in us. He will buffet us with senseless violence, with macabre spectacles of the full potential of human wickedness and brokenness, and with the mocking and derision of those both outside of our spiritual encampment and those within our own spiritual encampment when we speak of love instead of retaliation. 

So we must not flinch at the enemy’s advances, but rather hold onto Jesus Christ’s promise that “the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.”

(Eph 6:13-15) Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.

(Matt 24:10-13) At that time many will fall away and will betray and hate one another, and many false prophets will arise and mislead many. Because of the multiplication of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.

(John 13:34,35) A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you also must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”