"No catch"
How do we understand Grace? Is there any way for us to really, truly, explain God’s grace to us?
On Sunday I wanted to try (granted it was a microscopic human illustration) to show what God’s unmerited favour to us is like.
It was the long weekend, so I was nervous that we would have no newcomers. But when I asked if there was anyone new to Amberlea there were a few hands that shot up. I called the owner of the first hand I saw in the air to come join me at the front. He came up a bit nervously, likely concerned about what I might ask him to do next. When he arrived at the front I gave him a $20 bill. That was it.
The look on his face was a mixture of shock, disbelief and that “what’s the catch?” look.
“No catch” I told him. “I am sure you are a great guy, but you did nothing to earn this. I just want to give this to you.”
It was a quite a moment!
I explained that the gift had nothing to do with him or what he had done and everything to do with my wanting to just bless him.
“And that”, I told the congregation, “is a teeny tiny illustration of what God’s grace is like”.
The definition of grace is God’s unearned, undeserved, and unmerited favour. It’s God’s love in action. It’s God’s riches at Christ’s expense. We don’t deserve it; we can’t earn it; we’ve done nothing for it and yet God shows us grace.
The funny thing was that our new friend just stood there, holding the bill in his hand. Not sure what to do.
“Really” I said, “it’s yours, go buy your wife lunch.” Still, in disbelief, he returned to his seat.
Remember getting gifts as a child? You didn’t worry about paying the giver back or the “strings attached” to the gift. It was a free expression of love we didn't deserve, given to us by someone who truly cared for us. Remember that feeling? I loved getting gifts (I still do!) but as a child it was simple. It meant I was loved.
You are a child of God. Receive His gift as His child. YOU ARE LOVED!
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith — and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God — not by works, so that no one can boast.
Join us this Sunday as we continue with Part 3 of our series on Ephesians. This week we are looking at the second half of Chapter 2. You’ll want to be there worshipping with us, you never know what might happen. Don’t miss it and be sure to bring a friend!!