"The Dimensions of Grace"

You forgave the iniquity of your people and covered all their sins. (Psalm 85:2 NIV).

Grace Restoration Ministries… What is it and why do it? Those are both very legitimate questions to ask. Believe me, I’ve asked them a lot over the past few years. My journey over the past twelve yeas has been somewhat of a surprise. However, no matter what turn in the road I’ve taken, I have never been unable to see the end. That goal has been very clear from the beginning. Over the next few weeks, I hope to make it clear to you as well. Today, I want to start with a very basic principle. It is one that drives me to minister to the families and churches a sense of real grace. It is a part of the “what” of Grace Restoration Ministries.

I believe grace comes to us in two dimensions: vertical and horizontal. Vertical grace is easy to explain. Most of us have experienced it to one degree or another. It centers on our relationship with God. It’s strange that so many, having initially experienced this dimension of grace, still feel their bondage to old sins and past failures. The amazing thing about vertical grace is that it frees us from the demands and condemnation of the Mosaic Law. It announces hope to the sinner and the gift of eternal life, along with all its benefits. This is the place where we come to understand that past failures have no hold on our present joy!

The second dimension of grace is horizontal. This aspect of grace centers on our human relationships. It is charming. It frees us from the tyranny of pleasing people and adjusting our lives to the demands and expectations of human opinion. It gives relief and the joy of freedom along with all its benefits. It silences needless guilt and removes self-imposed shame. It guarantees us that future fears cannot rob us of present joy!

Few people realize better than non-Christians how guilt-ridden many Christians are. I have had numerous conversations and communications with people who were either not practicing Christians or outright non-believers who were curious how I could be affiliated with any church, much less Christian. Often I have been told that they have no interest at all in Christianity. Usually when I ask why, their answer is stinging in its reality. Most of the time they say something like, "Christians are the most guilt-ridden people I know. No thanks." That truth drives me to an understanding that we need restoration to the truth of Scripture and the freedom Christ has secured for us in the Cross and Resurrection!

Let me end this little devotional with two questions. Only you can answer them: Do you add to others' guilt or do you lessen it? And, are you the type who promotes another's liberty or restrains it? Both questions have to do with attitude, don't they? We do what we do with others because of the way we think. Our attitude, therefore, is crucial. It is also at our mercy. We have full control of which attitude we shall have: charming and gracious or restrictive and rigid. Liberty or legalism will be the result. Depending on our attitude, we are grace givers or grace killers. Be a grace giver! Help people see liberty in your life! After all, that’s why Jesus paid such an extravagant price on our behalf!