Grace to Face

Think about this for a moment: God doesn’t put people in your life by accident.

When you think about this statement, do you think about the people in your life who make it more challenging, who frustrate you, who you disagree with in some way, or do you think of the people you love who have been generous to you and to others and bring smile to your face?

God has carefully placed both the people who test our emotional limitations and those who strengthen our spirit for us to learn to love those standing before us, no matter who they are—in the same way that He loves us. Our faith is tested daily, but to treat everyone with the same patience, kindness and honesty is what we have been called to do—this is our charge as God’s people:

16 "Don't just stand by when your neighbor's life is in danger. I am God. 17 "Don't secretly hate your neighbor…18 "Don't seek revenge or carry a grudge against any of your people. Love your neighbor as yourself. I am God. 33 "When a foreigner lives with you in your land, don't take advantage of him. 34 Treat the foreigner the same as a native. Love him like one of your own.” (Leviticus; Message)

The next moment you find yourself facing one of your neighbors; a stranger or loved one, show them grace as they stand before you in anger, in greed, in humility, in benevolence…because whoever is placed in your path deserves the same grace that has been freely given to us by God.

God is with you.

~Aideen Carrick