Grace

Grace

The Lord is merciful and gracious; he is slow to get angry and full of unfailing love.

Psalm 103:8

It was a busy Saturday morning at the Elwell house when twelve-year-old Jordan asked if he could invite a couple friends over to “jam” on their musical instruments. “We’re going to practice up in the attic,” Jordan announced. I didn’t like the idea and suggested they practice in the basement, but my husband said, “Oh, let’s let them do it—there’s nothing they can hurt up there.”

While the boys were upstairs “jamming,” I left the house for a short while to run an errand. When I returned, my husband met me at the door. “We had a little problem while you were gone,” he said. “What happened?” I asked. “Well, the good news is that no one is hurt.” He continued, “The bad news is that one of the boys slipped in the attic, crashed halfway through the rafters, and left a big hole in our bedroom ceiling.”

I was mad. I wanted to lash out with, “I told you it wasn’t a good idea!” I didn’t say the words, but I’m sure that my attitude conveyed them nonetheless. For the next hour, I quietly went about my work in the kitchen while Jim went about his—preparing the ceiling for a repair. After an hour or so, I had calmed down enough to sit and talk about it. I even managed to catch glimpses of humor in the situation. And of course we laugh about it now, but it took me awhile.

For all the stubbornness and rebellion we humans have shown to God, the Bible consistently describes him as gracious, slow to get angry, and abounding in steadfast love and mercy. My reactions are so different from his! I’m learning that I can’t summon those character traits on my own. Only as I trust Christ for help am I able to grow more like him in the area of grace.

Gracious Father,

Please forgive me for times I haven’t been gracious and slow to anger. Thank you that you share your grace with me. Amen.