April 20, 2017 - A man I know had gotten ill and ended up in the hospital. After many tests, several days in the hospital, and cardiac stents he was handed a very large bill. He was faced with the dilemma that many people have today of not being able to pay the bill in full. He worked with the hospital on a payment plan and began to try and make payments, but as bills mounted and everyday life expenses took their toll on his monthly income, he found himself in financial trouble. He had run out of options and money.
So he swallowed his pride, mustered his courage and went back to the hospital to ask them his balance and if they could renegotiate his payments. He was met by a pleasant young lady who was quick to tell him his balance was over $40,000. She told him that before she could talk to him about lowering his payment she would have to talk with her supervisor. He noticed she walked over to the desk of a woman who had looked to be watching and listening to their conversation.
They seemed to be discussing things when the lady got up from her desk and walked over to where he was standing. She looked over his previous payments looked up at him and said "I see that you have been faithful to pay on time each month even though the amount is too small to impact the balance." He agreed with her, but told her that he was there to see if he could get his payments lowered. She didn't respond but went to her desk, did some calculations, came back and said "Sir, your debt has been forgiven. You no longer owe us any money." Needless to say he was ecstatic! He had went to the hospital seeking mercy only, but instead was given grace!
Our relationship with God is like that. When we come asking for mercy, God extends to us grace. Mercy is when you don't get what you do deserve. Grace is when you do get something that you don't deserve. You had to do nothing to get it, you have no control over the one who is offering it, the only responsibility you have is to receive it. Gods grace is amazing because it is given to us irregardless of how bad or good we have been.
An example of that is the thief on the cross who said, "Lord remember me when You come into Your kingdom." Jesus hearing his cry for mercy, not only shows mercy, but extends grace by promising; "Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise." There is nothing that you can do or not do, to make God love you more. Jesus died for all. He loves you and extends his grace to you because of his unconditional love for you." For by grace you are saved through faith, and this is not from yourselves, it is God's gift--Not from works so that no one can boast." (Ephesians 2: 8-9)
You can't earn grace. It is a free gift, and what an amazing gift it is! Living forever with Jesus in heaven. That is why grace is so amazing. Receive it, accept it, live in it, and experience the abundant love and joy of the Lord. "Mercy, saves us from hell. Grace, gives us heaven". (David Jeremiah)
I'm Just Sayin,
Mike Belgard
