There’s nothing quite as satisfying—or as dangerous—as the certainty that we are right and someone else is wrong. We relish those rare moments of rightness because they wrap us in an unaccustomed virtue, as though we suddenly were several inches taller. Should we be sharp in underlining their mistake, or should we play it cool—and let embarrassment be the bitter aftertaste for those who got it wrong? We toy with power as cats abuse their mice. But there’s another, better way to be both right and righteous. “Above all, love each other deeply,” the Bible says, “because love covers over a multitude of sins” (1 Peter 4:8). The grace that blotted out our sins—that made us whole—is grace available to give when others fail. In fact, we show our gratitude for grace by offering it to those who have no place to hide, who wither in the judgment of their peers. Grace isn’t fully part of us until it is re-given. We learn much more of mercy when we’re merciful to those—like us—who don’t deserve forgiveness. “Freely you have received; freely give,” Jesus says (Matt 10:8). And in the giving, we discover our true size as sinners wrapped in grace. Regift the grace that’s given you. And stay in it. -Bill Knott
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Bill Knott's GraceNotes: First Light (February 21, 2020)
Bill Knott's GraceNotes: The Struggle To Forgive (February 14, 2020)
Bill Knott's GraceNotes: The Pace Of Grace (February 7, 2020)
Introducing The Why: The Greatest Building
Jared Thurmon: Inspiration or Perspiration? (February 2020)
Journeys With Jesus: The Spirit of Judgment (February 2020)
Gerald Klingbeil: No Marketing Gimmick (February 2020)
Bill Knott's GraceNotes: A Place At The Table (January 31, 2020)
Bill Knott's GraceNotes: The Best News (January 24, 2020)
Bill Knott's GraceNotes: Learning To Walk Again (January 17, 2020)
Bill Knott's GraceNotes: A Psalm Of Grace (January 10, 2020)
Bill Knott's GraceNotes: A Covenant For Wanderers (January 3, 2020)
Bill Knott's GraceNotes: Walking Across The Line (December 27, 2019)
Bill Knott's GraceNotes: Delivered Into Light (December 20, 2019)
Bill Knott's GraceNotes: Not Just December 25 (December 13, 2019)
Bill Knott's GraceNotes: No Strings Attached (December 6, 2019)
Wilona Karimabadi, First Note to Final Bow (December 2019)
Wilona Karimabadi, Ministry In A Can of Spray Paint (December 2019)
Gerald Klingbeil: The Unwrapping (December 2019)
Journeys With Jesus: Life Lessons (December 2019)
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