God's Grace

Our message today comes from 2 Corinthians 12:9
⁹ And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Why is it that everyone is so stingy today with their time, words, thoughts, and prayers?  Why is it that we are so caught up in being right all the time that we don't offer grace and forgiveness to those that really need it?  Afterall, that is what Christ did for us.  He gave so much for us, and if we as Christians are representing His body, why aren't we doing as we are called to do?  He gave us grace.  Why can't we give grace to others?  Have you really experienced God's grace?  The best way to experience God's grace is to be the one that gives grace. 

Forgiveness is hard to do.  To admit guilt or wrongdoing is hard to do.  Yet, we are expected to give forgiveness and grace to those around us no matter what we feel for them.  In today's selfish world, where Chrisitans are persecuted for thier faith and we see so much filth, grace is hard to give.  But it is expected.  We forget that we have been there.  We weren't born into Christian faith....we had to learn it through God's grace.  God has shown us grace when we didn't deserve it and expects us to do the same to those around us no matter what they have done.  Matthew 5:13 - 16 says:
"You are the salt of the earth.  But if the salt should lose its taste, how can it be made salty?  It's no longer good for anything but to be thrown out and trampled on by men.  You are the light of the world.  A city situated on a hill cannot be hidden.  No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket, but rather on a lampstand, and it gives light for all who are in the house.  In the same way, let your light shine before men, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in Heaven."

Seasoning the world or spreading God's light on the world is not some higher level of discipleship only a few are called to do.  For Jesus, changing the world is essential to true discipleship.  We are called to give grace.  We have to remember that those who have not found God yet, are in need of the same grace God gave to us.  You brighten a dark life when you share God's grace and your faith with others who need it.  You are called to forgive others just as Christ forgave you.  A changed life can change the world.  Like ripples on the water, one person can change the world.  Like salt and light, real Christians transform everything they touch.