My Grace I Give To You

WED., SEPT. 1, 1982, 5:50
FARM, STUDY

You are still wondering, o son, about the content of the discussion with Michael and Mabel. I told you that Christians do, rightly, have somewhat different stories to tell, but you still are not truly satisfied with the content of your own. I gave you a nudge with that chapter from Christian Maturity last evening. Now hear what I say in explication. And then just continue on the path toward understanding… without excessive effort to achieve what you’re not quite ready to grasp.

“My Grace I give to you.” That is the essence of the Christian faith. You can approach this by way of humans as sinful and in need of salvation… or as a condition that came about because of My sacrificial death as Jesus. Or you can just accept it as a wonderful undeserved gift.

Consider the human analogy. You receive a wonderful, expensive gift from a person you know, but not well. You know of no reason that you should be its recipient. You have not been a good, loyal friend. You do not merit a gift of this quality. You even consider refusing it as being out of proportion to your relationship (as Lenore refused the watch you once tried to give her). You feel that this will “obligate” you, and you’re not sure you want to lose this “freedom” to be “unattached”.

However, the giver just says that he wants you to have the gift, to enjoy, to use, to make life easier. He does not seem to want you to feel any obligation, but merely to be a better friend. What would you do?

You know that there would be a temptation to give it back and stay out of any relationship that you do not initiate. This is just being too “pushy”. (But, truly, he doesn’t seem “pushy”… only desirous of a better relationship with you.)

You also know, if you are honest, even in the earth analogy, that the hang-up is your own selfishness. You may voice it in humble terms, such as “I’m just not worthy” or “the gift is more than I deserve”. Even though this is true, it represents the feeling that you want to be the initiator… you don’t want to feel obligated.

But you put aside this humility, and you accept the priceless, useful, everlasting gift, without a strong feeling of debt. Instead you just become a better friend with the giver, and this friendship is of daily benefit to both of you. You naturally do things for him, and he for you. And you are a better person for these exchanges.

Because of the gift you also are in better relationship with other people, and naturally introduce them to your good friend. You give to others, and you are also able to accept from them. You are living in this more selfless way not because you have to, not because of an immense obligation incurred by accepting the gift, but because you want to… and it feels good to live this way.