Surprised by Grace

READ: PSALM 51:1-2; MICAH 7:18; MATTHEW 5:7; EPHESIANS 2:8

Wouldn’t these magnets make great souvenirs from my trip? I thought, browsing the little shop high above the ground. My summer of serving with inner city ministries in New York was drawing to a close, and my friends and I had wanted to visit the Empire State Building one final time. We stopped by the gift shop before leaving, where I spotted magnets depicting classic New York City landmarks.

I selected a few to give as presents but then inadvertently dropped one. Hitting the floor, it broke. I gathered up the two cracked pieces and chose a replacement for it as well. Reaching the cashier’s counter, I set down the items I wished to purchase—along with the broken one. The clerk pointed out that it was damaged; I explained I’d caused the accident and would pay for the broken souvenir as well as the ones I wanted to bring home.

But the cashier told me I didn’t have to pay for it. The store made allowances for the occasional broken piece of merchandise; they would cover the cost. Amazed, I thanked her for being understanding about my mistake.

When people surprise us with grace—affording us better treatment than we deserve—it can remind us of God’s grace toward us, which He revealed in His gift of eternal life to all who trust in His Son, Jesus, for the forgiveness of their sins. While I had the ability to pay for the busted magnet, I don’t possess the power to pay for my own sins.

By putting our trust in Jesus, who died on the cross and then rose from the grave for us, we experience God’s grace and mercy—not being treated as our sins deserve, but instead getting to participate in His everlasting kingdom as one of His beloved children. As we grow in love for God, we can share this astonishing grace and mercy with others. Just as that cashier showed me many stories above the

streets of New York. ⦁ Allison Wilson Lee

⦁ Have you ever been surprised by the grace another person showed you? What did they do?

⦁ When we consider the mercy God showers on His children, how could that inspire us to show mercy to others?

For you are saved by grace through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God’s gift. Ephesians 2:8 (CSB)