The Gift of a Baby

“Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.” Romans 5:1-2 (NIV)

Do you know someone, a friend or your children perhaps, who won’t take your advice? They continually do their own thing even though you’ve been there, done that, and have great words of wisdom for them on how to avoid the mistakes you’ve made. Do you ever want to throw your hands up and walk away? “Do whatever you want. I don’t care. It’s your life!”

I’ve been there many times. Oh, how the anger and frustration can rise! But then, I remember God’s grace and love for His people who have done this very thing over and over again. They weren’t just going through a phase or having a little pity-party, they were down-right rebelling against God and His commandments. If He can offer grace and move forward in love, shouldn’t I?

And just as my children argue with me, I argue with God.

There is something about the peace we have when making up after an argument. We know we don’t want to be mad, not talk, or feel tension and stress when we are around the other person so we choose to make it right. We apologize, offer forgiveness, and reconcile. The best though is when we fully acknowledge the truth of the situation and our part in the problem. We don’t always do this when we apologize…it’s like we say we’re sorry with our fingers crossed behind our back. “I’ll apologize but it’s still really his fault.”

There is a difference when fully acknowledging what we’ve done, why we did it and what it will take to make things right again regardless of what the other person has to say. I know when I’ve been able to do this there is a feeling of relief, but also a bit of fear that my efforts to reconcile will be rejected. Maybe they will agree that it is all my fault and take no ownership in their part of the problem. What if they don’t want a real relationship with me? What about me do they not find acceptable or worthy of a relationship?

God’s ways are right and true. He has nothing to apologize for yet He wants to be reconciled; He longs for a relationship with you.

While God’s people were continuing to do their own thing, living their own life, God was making a way for them to be reconciled to Him. While they were arguing with God, He was thinking of the day when there would be peace. Jesus would bring that peace.

Grace and truth, the heart of our loving Father, has come through Jesus Christ. We can turn from the truth and reject God’s plan for reconciliation; God does allow us to do that. But how much better it is when we accept His gift of grace and embrace His truth.

Something to Consider…

God sent His Son as a gift for me and for you. Have you accepted, unwrapped and embraced this gift?

At Christmas, we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Through faith we have been made right with God and it starts with the birth of this baby. Choose to thank Him today for this new way He has made.