Years ago I had a friend here in Jacksonville, that felt the call to enter the ministry in his late 40′s. He commuted back and forth to Orlando 3-4 times per week to attend Reformed Theological Seminary. When I would ask how he was doing, I would get this answer that he was a recovering Pharisee. Not sure at the time that I fully grasped what he was saying.
Over the last couple of years I have come to realize his position with regards to God’s grace towards those he has called and God’s law. God didn’t choose me once I got my act together, he loved me before I knew him. For the majority of us we are quick to judge others by their lack of ability to keep the laws of God as if we do a much better job. The fact is we break God’s law daily…sometimes hourly. The fact is although we were created in the image of God and have the capacity to display the fruit of his spirit, we are dirty vessels, selfish, jealous, vengeful and my favorite stiff necked.
The next time someone sins against you, ask God to help you see that person from a perspective of grace and how you may be used to deliver it!