More than Saying Grace

Having grown up in a Christian home, no meal was to be consumed without returning thanks or what we referred to as ‘Saying Grace.’ My brother and I took turns under our folk’s watchful eyes, and nary a bite or a nibble best not be consumed until Grace was finished. Of course, as siblings, the torture could be longwindedness if a brother or sister happened to be put out with the other on any particular day. The penalty for eating before the blessing was clearing the table alone. I still remember those hunger-panging and mouth-watering moments fondly.

Grace is a great place to start a reflection and meditation on the Passion of Christ. Grace is defined as the unmerited favor of God. This reminds me the Passion that Christ possesses for me is 100% based on His love. It has absolutely nothing to do with what I offer or can bring to Him. Christ’s love for me is initiated, extended, provided by Him alone. My morality, attempt at good works, obeying His commands, while they are the fruit of our relationship and bless Him, they do nothing to secure the Grace He offers. I know this view is not embraced by many, but when the Bible states in Ephesians 2:8-9, God means it. Seriously! “God saved you by His Grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this. It is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.” NLT.

During what I have come to refer to as my “Passion check-up,” I discovered that my love for God and my passion for following Christ could be weakened when I start taking my focus off Grace and instead direct my energy to effort. By this I mean, my misguided efforts that slowly, over time, creep into turning my obedience into prideful good works that somehow impact my mindset about improving my standing with God. This erosion process, fueled by the enemies’ lies, begins to convince me the more I do, the more Grace I will obtain. That somehow my standing with God can be elevated by extra credit. The problem with this is that I cannot achieve this. If this were true, Adam and Eve could have brokered a deal not to leave the garden, and more importantly, Christ would not have had to die on a cross for the sins of mankind.

When I fall into this pattern, the discouragement that comes with trying to please a perfect God who is perfectly Holy in all His ways is overwhelming. This occurs because before I can recognize it, because I have lost sight that Grace is a gift, and the love God has for me does not wax and wane with my efforts. It is unchangeable and steadfast and solely based on who God is, not on who I am or what I try to become. I look to this verse which renders the truth and exposes my false thinking. ‘For no one can ever be made right with God by doing what the law commands. The law simply shows us how sinful we are'” Romans 3:20 NLT. God does this to reveal how awesome being in a relationship with Him as compared to going it alone. It’s not penal in nature but designed to provide me with the assurance that total dependency on God is the path to real peace.  

I have been through this cycle a few times, and the Holy Spirit always brings me back to the ever-renewing revelation and truth that Christ loves me unconditionally, always has, always will. His passionate sacrifice on the cross for all my sin and failure secured My standing with God forever. Because I am depending on Christ alone, God is forever pleased with me, and there is no room for improvement. The security that Grace offers is far superior to the temporary false sense of achievement I attempt. The bonus is my view of God is made right, and I can see that I am serving a loving God who is for me and not out to get me. This provides confidence and safety that is the ultimate liberation. This is why the scripture says, “Perfect love casts out fear.” 1 John 4:18. and “So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free .” John 8:36 NLT

As a result of returning to sound thinking, I find my gratitude and thanksgiving for all Christ has done for me, in me, and with me; it lifts my spirits to such a passionate place it cannot be contained. It flows out through praise, love for God, love for others, and desire to serve. All the things in my own strength I made efforts toward before now become natural drive and are satisfying. This happens because my energy has a different motivation and is driven by the Passion of Christ, and His Grace spurs a passion for Him while His strength sustains me. 

As I direct my focus to this season of Passion, it is comforting to know that just like from childhood, when I experience the hungering pains for more of Christ and my mouth is watering for His presence, seated at His table daily, His life-changing Grace is the only thing that can satisfy my soul.