Giving the Gift of Grace

Well, it's that time of the year to start putting together our Christmas lists and checking them twice. So, who really is naughty and nice in your world? Are you keeping track? We keep track more than we know.

Isn't it easy to find fault with others? I think all of us are susceptible to this. I certainly am! Whether we know it or not, we're basically trying to prove we're smarter, better, happier, wealthier, etc. What if others don't do what we ask or what we think is right? How about when family, co-workers and friends fail to meet our expectations? We can get downright cold-hearted and cruel toward others. One wrong turn and they're on our "naughty" list. Somehow, our "naughty" list is truly justified in our minds.

Honestly, I don't want anyone to be on my "naughty" list! I actually have the ability to put an end to this hypocritical spirit! And you do too! When we find fault with others, we elevate our status and forget the mercy God has shown each one of us. The Pharisees in the Bible were a good example of a hypocritical spirit. They were blinded to their own sin and to God's mercy. Instead they were cold-hearted and cruel toward other people. Take note of Jesus' warning toward them: "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but within are full of dead people's bones and all uncleanness." (Matthew 23:27)

When you're tempted to find fault with others, either in your mind, verbally or on social media- STOP!!!! Consider Jesus' warning and take a good hard look at your own life. If we truly understood the judgment we deserve from God, why in the world would we find fault with others?

God offers grace and mercy through His Son Jesus Christ. I'm so thankful for Jesus forgiving my sins and receiving the gift of grace! I would be a mess without God in my life! Jesus actually said "Freely you received, freely give." (Matthew 10:8) So, I can freely extend God's love and grace to those around me, simply because of the gift I've received!

Time to be honest. How would you personally answer these three questions? How do I find fault with others? With whom do I withhold grace from? Who am I to judge other people? How can I give the gift of grace this December?

The gift of grace is pretty amazing.  Receive the gift of grace that God freely gives. Extend that grace to others. You will never be the same.

"Always be humble and gentle. Patiently put up with each other and love each other. Try your best to let God's Spirit keep your hearts united. Do this by living in peace." Ephesians 4:2,3

Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain for the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.

Refreshing Others

Maybe the Thanksgiving holiday can’t come quick enough for you. Perhaps, you, like me, have been in a busy season, and looking forward to a break. A pause. A chance to slow down and experience refreshment, whatever that looks like to you. If your soul is a bit parched like mine, your temptation may be to simply take care of yourself. What if, instead, you looked for ways to bless and refresh others?

Thanksgiving literally calls us to get outside our self and be a thankful people for the many gifts God has blessed us with. One of those gifts is the gift of people in our lives. Family. Friends. Work associates. Those that serve us-from the Startbucks' barista to the attendant at the dry cleaners.

Sometimes, I can get so busy with my schedule and to-do list that I fail to think about those friends and family who are precious to me.  How can you and I bring refreshment to those around our table this Thanksgiving? How can we get outside ourselves and focus more on others than self? Instead of being served, can we look for ways to serve, even when the football game is calling? Who can you serve that can’t serve you back?

I know that Christ is the refresher of all refreshers. As we receive from Jesus, we can freely give to others. Who was better at refreshing others than Jesus? Jesus breathed life into weary souls. Jesus brought encouragement and kindness to those in His midst.  And He told us to as well. Jesus told His followers, “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap.” (Luke 6:38)

So, why focus on refreshing others? We give because God’s love compels us to. We give, because we can. We give, because He first gave to us. Jesus demonstrates to us how to bless and refresh others. He was really good at doing this, right?

So, why not ask God to help you bless and refresh those in your midst? Ask for help to notice, really notice people. Ask Him for help in seeing ways to serve and bless others. Stop thinking about yourself and focus on others.  And consider the beautiful outcome… You will be blessed by blessing others.  Such a reminder that this kind of living is something God smiles at.

“Whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” Proverbs 11:25

Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain for the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.

Tears in a Bottle

It was 10:30 am, on Sunday, November 5. Ben and I, along with about 75 other YMCA staff from all over Texas were riveted to our speaker, Jason Cole. Jason was warning us of some of the challenges that we might face as we come down from our “mountain top” weekend. He reminded us to stay alert, be prepared and stand firm in the Lord, no matter what happens.  We left camp energized and inspired in our faith. 

Just minutes later, as most of us were traveling back home, a gunman came into First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, and killed 26 people and injured 20. Lives changed forever in moments. As the names of those who died were given, story after story emerged of beautiful children and adults, whose lives were taken way too soon. And here we are once again, grieving for those who’ve lost family and friends in a senseless manner.

Though some may question where God was that day, God was very, very present. I even believe that God felt the pain and agony of each person in that church as the bullets scattered. I believe His grace was sufficient for each one of them in their moments of terror and suffering. And for those loved ones left behind this senseless tragedy? God is and will continue to be very present. Psalm 56:8 says “You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book.”  

When David wrote these words in the Psalms, he had been captured by the Philistines and was a prisoner of war. He had a reason to be sorrowful and fearful or even give up on God. But instead, David expressed a deep trust in God. In the midst of a troubling time, David spoke out “This I know, God is for me…..In God, I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can man do to me?” (Psalm 56:9, 11)

How do we respond to Sutherland Springs? We live in a fallen world. Tragedies will continue to happen. Human beings are not always kind to one another. Yet, in our sadness, we can pray fervently for good to overcome evil. We can pray for those in Sutherland Springs who have lost loved ones. We can draw near to God and realize that He is our only true hope in a deeply troubled world.  We can cry out to God like David did, knowing that God collects our tears in a bottle. We can ask God to make us more compassionate people, looking for ways to inspire and encourage those who struggle. We can ask God to increase our faith and take a stand in our faith, even if we're judged for it. We can decide to make a difference in our community and serve others. How about you?  

“The only love that won’t disappoint you is one that can’t change, that can’t be lost, that is not based on the ups and downs of life or of how well you live. It is something that not even death can take away from you. God’s love is the only thing like that.” (Pg. 304, Tim Keller,  Walking with God through Pain and Suffering)

“He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.” Revelation 21:4
Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain for the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.