Because of His Mercy

But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared,  he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit. – Titus 3:4-5

My husband was telling me about a new contractor that he has been doing some work for and how the man constantly challenges him and his expertise. Perhaps it’s because he is the new kid on the block and is trying to make a name for himself or maybe he simply doesn’t know the details and he’s trying to learn. Either way, my husband asked me to pray that he would have patience for this man.

It made me laugh as I recalled the movie Evan Almighty, when Morgan Freeman (playing God) said, “Let me ask you something. If someone prays for patience, you think God gives them patience? Or does he give them the opportunity to be patient?” When I shared this with my husband we both laughed and he said, “I think God wants me to develop some patience.”

Later that night I had a similar situation concerning kindness. I had plans for the following day and was contacted by a person with whom I’ve been quite frustrated with lately, who in a roundabout way, asked if she could join me for the activity.

God had just provided me with an opportunity to show kindness but in my mind all I could think of were all the reasons why I didn’t want her there, which all boiled down to…..I just didn’t want to be kind.

Imagine if Christ felt the same way about me with all my short comings, I would definitely be in a mess. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared,  he saved me, not because of righteous things I had done, but because of his mercy. And it’s because of His mercy towards me that I should follow His example and show kindness and love to others regardless of their short comings.

I’m happy to report that she will be joining me tomorrow. Thank you Lord for Your grace, forgiveness and kindness to me and for reminding me that she needs to experience those blessings too.