999) Here we go again; the subject is grace. I write about this often because I have the need to explore and understand this glorious gift. As I think about grace, my mind goes back to my first year at Bible college. I found myself in a dilemma that in my mind was horrible; a “he said, she said” situation. (Ah, the horrors of youth). It was suggested to me I speak with one of my professors about the situation. Little did I know this advice would play a major role in who I am now.

I went to my professor and told him about the situation; what one person was saying and doing. He looked up at me quietly and with compassion and asked me how many times are we to forgive each other. I didn’t even get a blink of my eye in before I said to him: If I forgive this person, they are going to walk all over me. He raised his eyebrows and said, If you think you can write the Bible better, go ahead. I was rendered speechless; I got the point.

This very thing has held me back from understanding grace. If I extend grace to others or myself, we might “run wild” and do anything we want. Here I discover I am confusing the law with grace. Have I got a valid point? Yes, if you live by rules, hoping to please God and others. The problem with this is that in order to please God, I have to keep 100 percent of the rules, 100 percent of the time. Ah…that’s why grace is so important.

Could I choose to “run wild” and do whatever I want because I know God’s grace will cover me? If the answer is yes, where is justice? Another ah! Grace covers me–even when I don’t deserve it. Grace makes me acceptable in God’s eyes because of what he has done–sent his son to die for me. Law is my attempt to make myself acceptable to God and I never will be able to do it.

Grace is not about me, it’s about God. May I grow to understand it more each day. Romans 11:1-6.