Grace. // Acts 22

One day, while reading in my Bible, I came upon chapter 22 of Acts. I read Paul's defense before the crowd, when he gave his testimony. Later on, as I was thinking back to it, this exchange is what came to my mind... 

Paul: God, they won't listen to me. They know all that I have done. I was there when Stephen was stoned – I assisted in killing one of Your faithful followers. Why should You forgive me? 

God: I know all that you have done, My beloved. And I have loved and redeemed you in spite of it all. 

Paul: But, God I don't understand. I'm so undeserving. Why would you do this for me? 

God: I'm doing this because I love you, Paul. I have great plans for your life. You don't need to understand, only to follow. 

Paul: Okay. I believe. I'll do as you ask. One more question?

God: Yes? 

Paul: ...what is this called, Lord?

God: This is grace, My child. 

“Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.”

~ Hebrews 4:16 KJV

Let's go back to that verse in Acts... 

“And I answered, Who art thou, Lord? And he said unto me, I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom thou persecutest.”

~ Acts 22:8 KJV

Whom thou persecutest. That's some tough words to hear. Maybe you wince, sympathizing for Paul as you read it. Or maybe...maybe you're with me on this one and you know where I'm going next. 

We've all persecutest Christ. Every sin we commit, no matter the size, hurts Him. Wounds Him. Cuts Him to the quick. Breaks His heart. 

And yet He loves us. Loves us enough to die. for. us. 

Maybe like Paul you're not sure what to think about this. It's getting something you could never deserve, under any circumstances. It's unmerited, undeserved love. It never dies, never wears out, never dries up. But what exactly is this? This gift from above. This something. 

I don't know what it is to you, but I call it grace. 

Beautiful lyrics, aren't they? :D You've just finished my first attempt at a 'quality' post for this year. I started this post awhile back, while reading the book of Acts. I'm hoping to continue posting every Saturday. :) Hope you enjoyed, and I'd love some feedback! 

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