Obligation & Opportunity

I have struggled recently with trying to find that fine line between holding someone accountable and extending grace to them. Let’s face it; there are times when we draw the line only to find out we should not have. Holding someone accountable in love is not always easy, especially when they are under-churched or a non-believer. It is often difficult for them to understand the concept of grace as they’ve never truly experienced it. Most will say grace is a blank check to do as they will, or at least that’s what they want it to be. It’s quite the opposite! While the Law will tell us we must do something we do not want to do (obligation), grace will cause us to want to do that very same thing with joy and purpose (opportunity)! Grace causes us to live our lives not how we want, but how God wants. Grace causes us to turn the other cheek when we’ve been slapped, and to feed the hungry even though our cupboards are nearly bare. Grace is also a mandate to accountability…for all. Oh, and by the way, God is faithful and my prayers have been answered; my struggle responded positively when I felt it was time to hold them accountable. Pray for them, that they might come to truly experience the saving grace of our Lord, Jesus Christ.