It is sometimes tempting to want to edit the Grace of God in a way that we see fit or think is necessary. From time to time, I find myself wondering how far the grace of God actually stretches. In doing so, I forget that it is simply inexhaustible. There are no if's, and's, or but's. There are no periods or concluding paragraphs. I think you get the picture; it never runs out. If you are like me, the concept of limitless grace is hard to comprehend. It may be because, as humans, our grace for others, or even ourselves, tends to be ultra thin and far from limitless. Ultimately, we have to ask ourselves if we are accepting an edited version of grace, or the raw, untouched version.
His Grace is limitless. There is nothing you have done, or will do that is ineligible to be completely covered by the blood of our gracious Father. There are no sign ups, deadlines, or hidden fees. Once you have accepted Christ Jesus as your savior, your sins have been covered once for all. Now, this is not a get out of jail free card, but it is sufficient when you stumble and fall. When your heart has fallen madly in love with Christ, it hurts whenever He hurts. You long to do what is right, and when you don't, your heart is grieved because you love Him. "For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace" (Romans 6:14, NIV). His grace enables you to walk in freedom and to do what is right. Although, sometimes we still mess up. Can I get an witness on that one?
Let me be the first to say that I have made so many mistakes while on this christian journey. I have fallen so hard at times that I didn't know if it would be possible to get back up. After huge mistakes have been made, I tend to hide from God because I feel as though I don't deserve His love or even His forgiveness. On one hand, I know that He will forgive me, but on the other hand, I feel too dirty to even ask for the forgiveness He has already paid for. It's silly, I know, but we all do it. Why run from the very One who can pick up the pieces and put you back together even better than He found you?
God is not angry at you, and He doesn't want to prove you wrong. He longs to mend the heart of His creation, but we have to accept His grace even when we feel undeserving. When I feel unworthy of His grace I normally avoid Him for a time until I realize that I am prolonging the healing process. Once I have come to my senses, I run to Him. Completely vulnerable, I run to Him. I let Him know that I feel dirty and unlovable and that I want to receive His grace. Sometimes just saying that is like pulling my own teeth out, but once I let it out, I always feel His love and I am reminded that His grace truly is sufficient in every weakness. He never mocks me or reminds me of my sin; He just simply listens and then puts me back together again. Even when I make the same mistake time and time again, His grace is completely sufficient.
Where sin runs deep, His grace runs deeper every single time. "The Law came in so that the transgression would increase; but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more" (Romans 5:20, NASB).
The grace of God abounds over our sin spotted lives. His mercy is new every morning. He knew exactly what He was getting Himself into when He paid the price for us. He doesn't expect perfection. He just wants all of our heart, for all of our lives. Beloved, do not walk in shame. His grace is more than enough.
So, we run.
Vulnerable, we run to Him.
Knowing that His love covers a multitude of sins, and when we fall, He will surely pick us back up again. This is true love. This is true grace.
Raw. Unedited. Untouched.
