I would like to tell you a little story about grace. The kind of grace that I am talking about is that which shines radiantly from a believing heart.
This story is about Emma and how she uses her spiritual gifts.
Emma’s spiritual gifts weren’t chosen by her own will. Rather, like all believers, Emma’s gifts were breathed into her life by the Spirit of God. Her gifts become more radiant as she grows closer to the Savior in a personal way.
Do you see yourself in these passages?
Romans 12:6-8 1 Corinthians 12:4-11 1 Peter 4:10-11
Emma’s spiritual gifts reflect the hesed love of God. God’s love is irresistible to open hearts that encounter it.
An illustration of God’s hesed love can be found in Exodus 34:6-7.
The gifts that I see in Emma include service, mercy, generosity and zeal.
Recently, Emma has had to draw on her spiritual gift of mercy. God has called on her to exhibit mercy to someone who has been unkind. Her story is personal. All that we need to know is that Emma has chosen a more excellent response to someone who has caused her sorrow.
But earnestly desire the higher gifts. And I will show you a still more excellent way.
1 Corinthians 12:31
Stop and think about a parable of Jesus when such grace and mercy was freely given. Do you recall the parable of the Prodigal Son?
The father left a pathway open for the lost son to come home. He didn’t force him to return. He simply watched and waited, hoping that the rebellious son would come back. When he finally returned home, the father, who had been faithfully watching for him, welcomed him with mercy and love.
And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion and ran and embraced him and kissed him.
Luke 15:20
That is what Emma will do. It isn’t easy. Just like the father in Jesus’ parable, Emma is innocent of wrongdoing. She is stunned and hurt.
Yet, she steadfastly refuses to slam the door on the hope of a renewed relationship. And she is able to do this, not under her own power, but fully enabled by the Spirit of God who loves her and lives within her.
You see, as believers we have a choice to make. We can live obediently, following Christ. We can trust Him to give us strength when we face sorrow or trials. When we choose to respond to hardships with grace and mercy then we can count on God to use us in remarkable ways.
But believers sometimes choose lesser paths. Some choose anger, retaliation, pride, and bitterness. We slam the door on any hope of forgiveness and mercy.
When believers choose to live displaying sinful attitudes, they have not lost their spiritual gift. But when believers choose disobedience, they distort the appearance of the gift God gave them. Their spiritual gift looks repulsive and undesirable.
Honor the Lord, Who has shown you His utmost mercy. He gave up Jesus for you.
While you are at it, pray for fellow believers like Emma. May they be blessed by a deeper awareness of God’s presence and comfort. And may they see the fruit of their faith in restored relationships with those whom they love. And most of all, give glory to His name.
Share the Good News in your world!
Isaiah 52:7
English Standard Version (ESV)
The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. ESV Text Edition: 2025.
Statement of Faith
