By The Same Grace

But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.

Ephesians 2:4-5

As a young, self-sufficient adult, I allowed the grace of God to save me from eternal condemnation. Then, almost immediately, I got back in high gear and began striving to please God in my own efforts. Grace had vanished. This only made it harder for me to admit to my continued failures. I wanted—no—I needed to project my shortcomings on something or someone else to save face. I was afraid to be honest with God. Pride imprisoned me in denial and from taking responsibility for my attitudes, actions, and feelings.

It’s hard to admit wrongdoing. Pride hinders grace. Grace paves the way for brokenness and transparency.

As I continue to risk sharing my depraved condition before Jesus, His response is one of unconditional love and grace. I’ve been able to take ownership for my part in the failure of two marriages, of not parenting well, and harboring unforgiveness. Grace made it possible for me to admit my sin, in the first place, to bring me into the presence of God for eternity.

It is by the same grace that I am daily freed so that I may humbly admit my weaknesses to God. I’m not rendered useless by shame or pride anymore! He wants to use me in spite of my failures. And He wants to use you, too, sweet sister!

To trust God’s grace allows us to courageously stop blame-shifting. Then we grow and heal into wholeness. God gets all the credit. We become a safe place for others and we may get to see their defensive walls crumble, too.

May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word (2 Thessalonians 2:16-17). Amen.

Karen Sims