Sept. 3, 2021
Read: Ephesians 3
“That the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and ye in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.” 2 Thes. 1:12
Due to an increased concern about the rapid spread of disease, business owners are installing hand sanitizer dispensers at the entrances of stores and other places where people congregate. Health officials urge us to use this antiseptic lotion to help control the transmission of viruses and germs. People use the dispensers regularly, and this probably does help to reduce the spread of disease.
Christians should be dispensers of grace in the world today. We understand that grace is the work of God through the Holy Spirit, but God can use us as channels to show His grace. Are we where people gather, sharing God’s amazing grace with others?
Paul wrote that the dispensation of the grace of God was given to him for us. If we then have received the grace of God, it is reasonable to conclude that we too are called to dispense that grace to those around us. Is that what we are doing?
God has been exceedingly generous in lavishing His grace upon us. James 4:6 says that He “giveth more grace.” Peter desired that “grace and peace be multiplied” to us. Other Scriptures also imply abundant grace. Grace is explained in one little word, and that word is “love.” God loved us sinners so much that He sent His Son Jesus to die for us and redeem us to Himself. Having then received this grace, this love, how can we not dispense it to others? To do anything less is selfish and ungrateful.
Does our love for sinners reflect the intensity of Christ’s love for them? The testimony of many sinners is that they do not see much grace among Christians. This is to our shame. “Lord, help us to be loving dispensers of Your grace.”
~James Baer
