What Do I Deserve?
When I entered this world in May of 1994, to say that my mom and dad had their hands full would be an understatement.
While preparing to welcome their third child, they were also busy wrangling twin toddlers.
I’m sure they were excited, anxious, and just a bit exhausted by the time I made my appearance.
Not only had they spent the last nine months caring for me as I grew in my mom’s tummy, but they had also committed themselves to a lifetime of physical and emotional care for yet another child.
Sara Claudia being brought home as a baby. Pictured in her front yard with her mom, dad, brother, Walt, and sister, Beth.
How did I thank them as I entered this world?
Well, like all newborns, I cried, screamed, and wailed!
The love my parents had for me at that moment, as they swaddled me up and soothed my cries, was plentiful and so undeserved, and I would spend the next 26 years experiencing their gracious love time and time again.
Merriam-Webster defines “grace” as “unmerited divine assistance given to humans for their regeneration or sanctification.”
Wow…that’s a lot of big words!
There is one word in that definition, however, that may be more important than the rest…unmerited.
I never did anything to earn the constant, unfailing love of my parents, and, as humans, we never did anything to deserve the powerful and never-ending love of God.
Thankfully, as His children, we are frequent recipients of His mercy, love, and power because of such amazing grace.
Grace is a relatively easy concept for us to understand and accept when we are on the receiving side of it.
Giving grace, though, is more challenging.
In Luke 6, Jesus provides us with instruction on showing kindness to those who, in our eyes, are the most undeserving…our enemies.
“But to you who are willing to listen, I say, love your enemies! Do good to those who hate you. Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you. If someone slaps you on one cheek, offer the other cheek also. If someone demands your coat, offer your shirt also. Give to anyone who asks; and when things are taken away from you, don’t try to get them back. Do to others as you would like them to do to you.”
(Luke 6:27-31)
To treat others how we would have them treat us is an easy commandment for us to recite.
Actually putting it into action, though, is another matter.
Especially when we combine it with the instructions that precede it. Not only are we supposed to treat others with care and kindness, but we are supposed to treat them this way even when we do not receive care and kindness in return.
When was the last time you smiled and thanked a waiter who was rude instead of simply cutting back on their tip?
Or lent a helping hand to that neighbor who likes to talk about your business behind your back?
Text on a white notepad sitting on a white-washed table that says, “../spread that love which we have already received ourselves.” Sara Claudia Ministries
What is the point of all this you may ask?
Well, simply put, the point is to spread that love which we have already received ourselves.
No, not from that grumpy waiter or talkative gossip, but the love we consistently receive from our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
When we strive to show grace in all situations and to all people, we reflect the character of Jesus. In this way, we can share who God truly is through our actions and become more like Him in the process.
Remember, we are made in His image, and it is a beautiful image of kindness, goodness, and compassion.
“Love your enemies! Do good to them. Lend to them without expecting to be repaid. Then your reward from heaven will be very great, and you will truly be acting as children of the Highest, for he is kind to those who are unthankful and wicked. You must be compassionate, just as your Father is compassionate.”
(Luke 6:35-36)
