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January 5th, 2012

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A People of Grace

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"I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that was given you in Christ Jesus."
    1 Corinthians 1:4 ESV

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IT IS HARD to image why Paul was telling the Church at Corinth that he was thankful for them. That church had serious "issues". Among them, a man was sleeping with his father's wife, fellow believers were suing each other, people were getting drunk off of the communion wine and the list went on. What did he see in those people that made him thankful?

He saw what only a follower of Jesus Christ could see; God's grace at work in their lives. Generally, the more time a person spends with another, the more obvious sin in their life becomes. This can either bring them closer together, or rend them further apart. Unfortunately, in many relationships it does indeed lead to separation, or in the least, great mistrust and a pride in one's life as they judge the other person's faults. As we look for God's grace in the lives of those around us, rather then their faults, we will begin to view them as a blessing in our lives instead of a curse. This should be what separates the Church from those outside of it. We are sinners full of grace, instead of sinners full of pride.

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Make a mental list of your most challenging relationships. How can grace make you grateful for their role in your life?

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This devotion is adapted from shortdailydevotions.com. Used with permission.

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