As I reflect on God's grace in my life, I have experienced it most keenly at times when I knew I deserved it the least. When I have hurt someone because of my own selfishness and they extend not only forgiveness but a restorative love (I get a lot of practice at this in marriage). When I have felt so alone that I begin to wonder if I'm worth anyone's attention, and someone not only reaches out to me, but finds a way to care so much that my dignity is restored in my community.
His glorious grace indeed deserves our praise, but it is not glorious in the way we often see glory. This glory is that of a God running undignified to His prodigal son. It is the story of the orientation of our God to His people. So unworthy are we, and yet He has already decided that we should be offered Sonship. Knowing all that we have done and will do, he predestined us for adoption through Jesus Christ.
I guess I don't have to be so afraid of that word "predestined." I dislike it because I think it might rob me of my autonomy, my freedom, my choice to love in return. But I get the sense now, that this word means nothing of the sort. Jesus manifests God to us and invites us to share in His belovedness. God's grace is not glorious because of what it transforms us into, though if experienced fully it is transformative. God's grace is glorious because He sees us exactly as we are, yesterday, today, and tomorrow, and decides in advance to reach out His hand in love.
I think to live in His grace means two things. First, it means to see ourselves as we are. This is why Paul says "Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me (2 Corinthians 12:9)."
This is not some magic trick or way to manipulate God. It is not as though I can just boast about my weaknesses in some sort of false modesty and by virtue of that harness God's power. It is just a function of viewing ourselves as we really are. When we can do this, God can really work in our lives. What would it mean for me to live as though His glorious grace were sufficient for me?
The second thing living in His grace means is seeing others as they really are, while keeping in mind who we really are. This levels the power and status structures that we all operate in without thinking about it. It should motivate me to reach out to our brothers in need. It should motivate me to move counter to my privilege as a white, heterosexual, Christian, man, and advocate and support those who our society disadvantages. Who could I begin to see more as a brother/sister?
I'm sure there are other practicalities for living in grace, but I'm sure this won't be Paul's last mention of it.
by the will of God,
Jonathan
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