From the woman at grocery store who looks at me funny because I let my kid eat two cookies in the cart, to the Maker of the Universe who invites me simply to come and be while I insist on all the things I need to go and do. From the girl who didn’t mean anything by it when she inadvertently insults me, to the child who needs me at the most inconvenient times.
Defending yourself can become a full-time job, one that takes up brain-space at work, in your car, on the weekends, at the grocery store. You may find yourself explaining the actions of this ungracious person to your spouse, your bff, your sister, your mom or anyone else who will listen. I only know this because I have done this.
During those moments where everything, everything in you says to defend yourself, I find it the most difficult to either receive or extend grace. Normally it’s because in every insult, there seems a bit of truth. And so I fear, and then I lash out. I want to defend, protect, take care, and make my case. Everything in me says that is okay – everything, that is, except one small voice that speaks gently, softly, inviting me to receive my identity from a different source. When I am offended, it is often because I was looking for acceptance from someone, and they did not offer it. Not always, but nearly always.
“My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:9
As I said earlier this week, there will be another chance to link up to a post about grace on your own blogs. I will post the linky tomorrow, Saturday. Then on Sunday, I will share some useful-to-me resources I have found on grace. I hope you will join us for these final days of grace.
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