I once heard a true story that, to me, remains one of the best illustrations of how grace differs from kindness.
A woman lived near a railway track and as a result, she would regularly be called upon by ‘freeloaders’ on the train who were looking for food.
And as often as she could, the woman would provide a meal. That was kindness, underserved as it was.
But one night, the woman hears the back door slowly open.
She hides but sees a young man prowling around.
He finds a jar of cash - grocery money for next week - which he takes, before running out of the house.
The following week, she hears the train pull in.
As expected, another freeloader knocks on her door looking for something to eat.
But to her surprise, it was the same young man who had burgled her the week before.
And, without a word, she gives him a meal.
That was grace. Not because the meal was underserved, but that the young man deserved punishment.
The thief got a free meal when he should have been marched down to the local police station.
The Bible says, “all have sinned …” (Rom 3:23). Everyone, therefore, deserves God’s punishment.
But instead of being punished for our sin, as we deserve, in Jesus we can be made right with God and be with him in heaven forever.
So, because of God’s grace, and grace alone, we not only avoid punishment, we also receive God’s favour – his forgiveness and the promise of everlasting life.
That’s why grace is so amazing.
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.” (Eph 2:8).
~ Contributed by Pastor Chris Taylor of the Deniliquin Baptist Church, on behalf of the Combined Churches of Deniliquin.
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