Grace isn’t just about salvation though that is very important. Grace also empowers us to live holy lives, to do the things that we cannot do in our own strength.

I pride myself on being pretty accepting. Recently, Jesus revealed to my heart that I have trouble accepting people that take advantage, people that hurt me continually, and people that are generally needy and grasping. I react with condescension and coldness instead of recognizing the brokenness in them.

My man cub straight up confronted me the other day.

“Mom, do you realize how condescending you were to So-and-So? It was so obvious.”

Ouch. 

The true and ugly part is this: I cared more about my image than I did about dishonoring another person.  I grew embarrassed because of what others might think of me as the incident happened in public.  I just love truth bombs from my man cub.

Grace smacked me upside the head with deep conviction. Jesus zeroed in on my lack of love and acceptance. I’d like to say I immediately repented and made things right but it took awhile because I didn’t see how I could change in my own strength. Truth is, I can’t.

Grace to the rescue. Jesus also showed me how grace can empower me to do the exact things I am helpless to do on my own. How, exactly? Grace is simply Jesus’ power in us to stand against sin. It’s a gift. I have access to this gift, each and every day. I did eventually repent and confess that in my own strength, I can’t love and accept people but because Jesus loves and accepts people, I can as well. I can’t explain it but something profound happened to me in the moment I realized this truth. Grace is truly amazing.