Grace. Faith. Peace.
We want them. We need them. But do we understand on a personal level what each word means? I don’t.
I think I came a little closer to understanding when I listened to a Focus on the Family broadcast of the late Pastor Adrian Rogers. Read with me what Pastor Rogers shared.
Grace.
God’s acceptance of me as a sinner.
Faith.
My acceptance of God’s acceptance of me.
Peace.
My acceptance of me.
It’s that beautiful? By the blood of Jesus we are accepted by a perfect God!
Pastor Rogers continued…
When I accept me, I can accept you.
Love is my acceptance of you.
Fellowship is your acceptance of me.
When I realize who I am in Christ – a sinner forgiven by the blood of the Lamb – then I can share love to others. True, servant love that doesn’t expect anything in return.
How does the cycle begin? When I realize that God accepts me. With all my bad habits, nasty attitude, and broken promises. I am accepted.
Say it out loud with me. I am accepted by the God of the Universe.
And that is where it begins…