A Theology of Grace.

"Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior.  Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you."  Ephesians 4:31-32

This morning I had to confess to God, I was ungracious and judgmental when the driver of a Lincoln MLK used a turn lane to zip around me and cut in front of me (without using his signal).  After throwing my hands in the air and grumbling some God placed a memory in my head.  Earlier this week I was guilty of my vary own (unintentional) bone head driving incident.  Ouch, busted.

I had been said that "We judge ourselves by our intentions, and others by there actions" (I do not know the origin of this saying, I heard it from Dr. Scott Cormode during a personal correspondence).  I think part of the issue is that, in our own eyes, our feelings and inconveniences are more important than the other person/people involved.

This morning God challenged me to try "to see the face of Christ" in all those I encounter (even those making my life "painful").  I think doing so makes grace and forgiveness a necessity in our daily lives.  That driver stopped being a "jerk" and started being a beloved child of God.

This ones for Mike

"I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!" - Matthew 25: 40 (NLT)

Don't forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it! - Hebrews 13:2 (NLT)

I met Mike a couple of weeks ago on the an on ramp to a local interstate highway.  Now you might be wondering "How do you meet someone at an on ramp?)  Well, Mike was soliciting a ride and he wasn't having much luck, probably because people assumed he was panhandling.  I stopped to hear what Mike wanted, mostly because he was physically in front of me.  When I found he wanted a ride to a hotel so we could get some sleep (God, we all need rest!) I let him in.  Mike has some physical ailments and it took him two solid lights to get in the car, the cars behind me, and myself got impatient (God, forgive me!)  

As we traveled along on our brief journey together Mike shared his passion with religous literature.  I suspected he was "trying to put one over one me (God, forgive me!) so I asked him to list some books he had read.  The list was impressive, and we suggested various books to read to one another.  

As we got closer to the hotel I began to suspect that Mike intended to talk me into paying for his hotel stay.  I wrestled with what to do and came upon I would pay, but I would go in and pay directly so I would know that the money was going to the hotel.  Not long after I had come to this conclusion Mike turned to me and asked if I wanted gas money (Lord, forgive my arrogance and judgmental attitude!).  

As I was dropping Mike off and we said our good byes I said I would pray for him.  I haven't done that as faithfully as I should have (God, forgive me!).  I don't know just how much that ride meant to Mike, but I do know that meeting Mike meant to world to me.  He humbled me, he taught me so many things and I will never forget him.  I don't know if he was "an angel in disguise," he definitely seemed like "the least of these," and i know that he was a ministry to my soul.