Transparency – Grace: Giving & Receiving

I recently just finished an incredible book by Mike Foster called Gracenomics.   Whenever I read a new book it makes my mind go off on all these tangents.  My racing mind was not at all slowed down when grace has been the topic of discussion at my small group the past few weeks.

Here’s me being transparent:  I have trouble giving grace, however, I’m really good at receiving it.

This is probably a statement true of most of us, but the idea of grace has stretched my mind in so many different directions.  Now for more transparency…

When I was going through my now somewhat recent issues, I spent a lot of time combating the issue with the wrong avenues, namely alcohol.  I have no problem with the idea of drinking, but in excess is where my issue comes in.  I can’t count the many nights I came home not knowing how I got home and having that horrible headache the next morning.

But you know what?  After one too many times not even making it to my bed I realized I needed a change.  Asking God for forgiveness was the hardest thing for me.  Why?  Because I was sheltered and realized that God wasn’t pleased with what I was doing.  Then grace hit.

My friends were still my friends and I didn’t understand why.  I realized that God really did love me even through all of this “crap” (Isaiah 43:2 was a huge reminder of this for me).

It was an amazing feeling to “feel” grace.  I am so blessed to this day to have recognized just a little more of grace than I have ever noticed or recognized before.

Now…

On that same token, I know how good grace can feel.  Then why is it so hard to give it?

Not to steal from my last blog post, but I realize the answer to this question is “because I’m human”.  Again, I say to that it’s not a good enough answer for me.

It took a long time for me to forgive someone who had wronged me in this messy situation.  About a year and half to be exact.  Why is it so hard?

I want to be a part of what Mike Foster called the “Gracenomic Scandal”.  I want to be that guy that shows grace to those who need it.  I want to be that guy who gives people a second chance.  I want to be that guy who loves and not condemns or judges.  I want to be that guy.