The Gift of Grace

15 But the free gift of Christ isn’t like Adam’s failure. If many people died through what one person did wrong, God’s grace is multiplied even more for many people with the gift—of the one person Jesus Christ—that comes through grace. 16 The gift isn’t like the consequences of one person’s sin. The judgment that came from one person’s sin led to punishment, but the free gift that came out of many failures led to the verdict of acquittal. 17 If death ruled because of one person’s failure, those who receive the multiplied grace and the gift of righteousness will even more certainly rule in life through

the one person Jesus Christ.

(Romans 5:15–17)

The Gift of Grace

Good Day Family,

It’s interesting to me that when someone moves in ways that are smooth and almost artful, we say they are “graceful.” I’m not sure when grace became associated with beautiful movement, but there’s something that seems to track with it. Movement suggests action, and beauty suggests something pleasing. When we observe someone in this way, we do not note the cost of those beautiful movements. Who, after all, are more graceful than dancers? Often, they find themselves moving despite deep and pervasive pain. If you’ve ever talked to a ballerina about the cost of her craft, she will likely point to her feet that become bruised and disfigured due to the rigors of that “graceful” artistry.

Grace is not easy, is it? It’s not easy to extend forgiveness, compassion, and understanding when we experience the negative consequences of someone’s actions. It’s not a simple thing to offer when that means that we will have to share a heavier burden. Yet, that is what Christ has done for us. Grace came down from the throne in heaven to live among us. Grace made a life, taught, worked miracles, and most of all, entered into our condition to make us righteous and whole. It’s a gift given from Jesus, and that action could not be more beautiful.

Gratefully and Gracefully,

Be well,

Pastor Cheryl

Let us encourage one another. Let us love our neighbor. Let us be the church.