See to it that no one be deprived …

See to it that no one be deprived of the grace of God.  Imagine yourself as a teenager again.  You have asked your father to give you  and your friend’s a ride to the movies, but all he does is look  into your eyes in silence.  The a grin flashes across his face.  Reaching into his pocket, he hands you the keys to his brand new car.  “It is all yours tonight, ” he tells you.  “Be careful.”  Your emotions swirl as you turn the ignition – elation, awe, and a healthy dose of fear!  You have been entrusted with an object of great value.

This illustration i snot far from reality, because God has given you something even more precious than a new car.  He has entrusted you with his grace.  And he has entrusted you with th emission of sharing that grace with everyone around you.  “See to it,” he says, “that no one be deprived of the grace of God”.

So how do we spread God’s grace?  Well, let us consult the owner’s manual -the Bible!  This verse comes in the middle of a call to live in unity with each other.  Relationships are key! As we treat others in the profoundly merciful manner that God treats us, they will experience God’s grace, and that grace will move them closer to him.

Scripture exhorts us to “Strive for peace with everyone…that no bitter root spring up and cause trouble”. Do you have a relationship that is not at peace?  As the Holy Spirit to help you extend grace to that person – no matter who is right or wrong.  Pray for that person. In your heart, offer forgiveness.  It may help to even say it out loud.  Or maybe you need to ask for forgiveness.  As God for the grace to do it, and then go out of your way to serve that person.  Do not expect anything in return.  Just focus on the privilege of handling God’s precious grace.