“Grace is only grace if it goes both ways . . . a two-way street. Receiving it from God but refusing to give it to others isn’t an option. Grace flows.”- Kyle Idleman
“Get rid of all bitterness, rage, and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.”- Ephesians 4:31
In Chapter 4 (“More Healing Than Your Wounds”) of Grace Is Greater, Kyle Idleman notes we become attached to emotions like anger and resentment. Kyle adds that these emotions don’t bring us joy and rob us of peace. Yet, we store them in the closet of our hearts.
Also, it’s painful to rid ourselves of bitterness and anger. We find it easier to shut the closet door and pretend everything’s fine. As a result, we only open the door when absolutely necessary. Hence, Kyle shares his discovery that “extending grace and forgiveness to someone who doesn’t deserve it and can’t make it right is more than a decision we make, it’s a journey we take.”
Thus, the first step consists of deciding you want to make that journey to forgiveness. Or at least be willing to try. No magic button exists to erase our painful memories or heal our festering wounds. In addition, when someone’s deeply hurt you giving grace doesn’t feel like an option. Yet, you’re comfortable living with your wounds or carrying the weight of your bitterness. Perhaps, Kyle observes, you’ve done the math and concluded the hurt done to you exceeds the grace you’re able to give.
Finally, Kyle describes the grace litmus test:
“The litmus test for the reality of grace you have received from God is the extent to which you give grace and offer forgiveness to the person who’s hurt you the most and deserves it the least.”
Today’s question: Complete Pastor Idleman’s statement that “grace is only grace if . . .” Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “The grace you have received”
