restored.

Sometimes I like to let myself believe that I know more than I know. I'd say, for example, that I get the concept of grace.


For by GRACE you have been saved through faith...

After all, I've grown up hearing about it, talking about it, learning about it, putting my faith in it.

How many books are written on this topic? How many people have written passionate blogs on the subject? (hi.)

But something about deep conversations during 4 consecutive snow days has me thinking through how little I "get it".


...and that NOT OF YOURSELVES...

"Not of works of righteousness which we have done but according to his mercy he has saved us." Titus 3:5

I know that my salvation is not contingent on my behavior, I believe that for others as well. That is the beauty of redemption found in the Gospel.

However, knowing that and living that out in my relationships with other (tangible, real, non-conceptual) people, proves to be much more difficult. Knowing that and living it out in the way I view myself is not easy either.


...it is a gift of God NOT OF WORKS...

Hearing about the depths of perversion and sin that people I know are involved in has yet to make me wrap them up in my arms and comfort them. Instead, I feel sick for them, angry at them, sad for them or possibly on a good day very compassionate for them. I feel this for them.

The problem is, my feelings, my compassion, my love has its limits. Some days they are greater than others. I admit, I have given to the poor, the homeless, even some drug addicts in my lifetime, but never once have I invited them home to sleep on my couch. Never once have I sat with them and cared for them in the midst of their withdrawal. I've cringed when I've known there are bedbugs in their homes and kept my distance when I see them on the street but I'm on my way out. I love so often out of convenience or out of duty.

Thankfully Jesus didn't.

I'm inspired by stories of people whose lives are radically changed. I have a good friend who spent 2 years in prison, dealt all sorts of drugs, was involved in gang-life, etc. He came to be a believer a few years back and his life is radically different. He comes over often. I mean, sincerely, he's a good friend.

When I'm honest with myself, though, I know that if I'd met him 3 or 4 years ago in the height of his dark season, I would have run so quickly away. Out of fear. Out of cluelessness.

And if I were so bold as to care for him, I would have probably loved him as a project - wanting to see him improved, wanting to hear testimony of the ways God was changing him, even wanting to do all that I could to see him different.

But take him as he was...not sure I could genuinely do that. I can see myself being an encourager, a friend, someone who cares as a person like this climbs up to a healthy place, but the second they turn back, I'm out. Discouraged and questioning why I ever tried.

That wasn't what Jesus did. How many times does He forgive? How many times does He hurt for us and yet still look on us with hope?

He sees us restored. He sees us capable of transforming lives and nations. Regardless of the years in prison. Regardless of the statistics of who will fall flat on their faces. Regardless of the percentage of drug addicts that return to their drugs after a brief spiritual high. Regardless of ALL of this, He looks on His family with hope for a future.


...lest ANYONE should boast.

I would have to be a prideful fool to be unmoved by His grace. It is powerful stuff!

I've lived many days unmoved by His grace.

I can't make sense of this all alone. The reality of the sacrifice of Christ, the way He lived His life and calls His followers to live ours, is too overwhelming to take in all at once. It doesn't match with my "be good" mentality. It is so much richer than that.

Jesus put himself out there. He said watch me and do like I do.

He did good.

And so much more.

He was drawn to the ugly, the dirty, the sickly, the sinful.

Because He "got" grace. He understood His powerful redemption. He had a heart for the broken.

Sanctification is a constant, daily process. Despite a lengthy list of wrongs, God restores His followers and equips them to live out His love and grace. He is patient and persistent.

No matter how I misconstrue this concept at times, no matter how little credit I may give Jesus for transformation, no matter how wrongly I may judge someone else, or how strictly I may place expectations on myself, He makes NEW and gives life to the dead places in me and in those who trust Him.

He restores: Joy. Purpose. Innocence. Families. Callings. Trust. Life. He makes all things new.