Restoring Grace

What are you working for?

So let us not grow weary in doing what is right, for we will reap at harvest time, if we do not give up. So then, whenever we have an opportunity, let us work for the good of all, and especially for those of the family of faith. - Galatians 6:9-10

In today's reading we are told we should be working for the good of all.  We should do what is right and not give up.

The challenge Paul gives those who have received the Spirit is to restore those who have transgressed, those who have sinned, who have broken their relationship with God and their neighbors.

Is that the work we do each day?

Most of us might believe that the job of restoring people to grace is the work of the priest or religious leader.  Paul was not talking to us, but to the leaders of the church, right?

But suppose we look at this as the work all of us must do as members of the church, as brothers and sisters of the one family of God.  If we can see ourselves as God sees us, we would see us free of the chains that hold us down.  We would know that He accepts us as we are and is good with that.

Perhaps the real challenge God is giving us is to be like Him, to put aside our egos and prejudices and be accepting of each other.

I know that isn't easy.  At times, we get so angry or suffer so much hurt, that we don't even want to listen to each other.  The last thing on our minds is to be accepting, and grace seems to be far off.

At those times, perhaps we are the ones who need to be restored.  We need the help of others in the community to guide us back, to bring us home.

As I scan the posts on Facebook this morning, I will make note of my reaction to those that I find troublesome, and I will ask myself who needs restoration here.

Am I in need of acceptance and grace, or is it the one who posted?

Just asking the question may bring about a change in direction.  And if I can see the viewpoint of the other person with God's eyes, perhaps I will understand.

So, we go about our work, seeking to build each other up for the good of all.  Easy?  No.

Necessary?  Yes.

More to come...