The church I attend is on a sermon series about grace. Many of us have been exposed to many different ways of looking at grace. I would like to take an opportunity to share with you some more thoughts on the same subject. So what does being intentional have to do with grace? It is the response to grace. Pastor Ben said that to call ourselves Christians, says that we are in relationship with Christ. This relationship is free from law. The relationship is bound in love and grace. This must go many ways, just down from God. Grace when received, must be given back, all around you. Jesus not only wants that relationship, which in Jesus’ own special way becomes a relationship in the Trinity, but Jesus wants us to be in the same type of relationship with others.
We must be intentional on how we express the grace that God has given us. We must do this, if we say we are in relationship with Christ. Passive Christians do not exist. You cannot accept the grace of God, call yourself a Christian and be passive about it. That does not mean that there is law involved. Your response should be an intentional loving and gracious response the gracious and loving God. A response in Love not Law. That love is a response to love others, as you would want to be loved. To love others the way God loves you. God is always willing to help you and others. You should be willing to help others. To do that, you need to be intentional in looking for ways to help. God always loves you. You need to be intentional in how you love others.
Be intentional in all that you do, looking for ways to be Christ like. While at work, when another employee lashes out at you, or when a customer lashes out at you, do not lash back. Treat them as you want to be treated. Even you disagree, and even when you are right, treat the person with love in your response.
Be intentional to:
Love your God with all your heart
Love your neighbor as yourself
Love your spouse
Love your children
Look for opportunities to serve
Look for the value in all things
Look at God’s creations
Stop to smell the roses
Stop to hear the words in Christian songs
Stop being a Christian that is non responsive
Begin to look for God’s Grace, in everything
Begin to look for ways to share God’s Grace
Begin to be in relationship with Christ…..Today
May the Grace and Peace of our Lord and Savior shine upon you.
May the Grace and Peace you have received, be a beacon of light to all.
Amen