By David Marko, Assistant Chaplain, California Republican Assembly
(OPINION) – As we enter into this season of Christmastime, we are reminded of the infinite mercy and grace that Almighty God has extended to us, not because of anything we have done to deserve it, but simply because God’s is good. And HE loves us.
As Christians, we are thankful for the sacrifice on the cross and the mercy extended toward us, that while yet sinners unable to fulfill the Law, we have been offered the free gift of salvation through God’s grace. This is the season where that gift of grace from our Father begins with the birth of Jesus, continues with His earthly ministry, and leads to His crucifixion and resurrection, which ultimately allows us to be justified (just as if I had never sinned) in God Almighty’s sight. We have each benefitted from God’s unending forgiveness, grace, and mercy, being mindful that: “Mercy is not getting what we deserve; while Grace is getting what we don’t deserve.” And we rejoice that HIS mercies are new every morning.
At this time of year, we remember God’s grace to us and express our thanks for it, yet somehow we often miss the mark when it comes to extending that grace and mercy to others in our lives. Christ Himself gave several well-known parables in regard to the very subjects of grace, forgiveness and love – The Lost Sheep, The Lost Coin and the Prodigal Son (Matthew 15: 3-32); The Two Debtors (Luke 7: 36-50); and The Unforgiving Servant (Matthew 19: 21-35). And in Matthew 5:44, Our Lord has asked us to … “Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.“
We who call ourselves Christians, who claim to be Christ-like, can we not find it in our hearts, especially at this time of year, to extend the grace and mercy, we have so abundantly received, to others in our lives? Can we not be His obedient servants and follow His example to do justly, love mercy and walk humbly with our God? Can we not first choose to love and forgive one another before seeking our “just retribution”?
It is my fervent prayer that each one of us would choose to offer the gifts of grace and mercy to those in our lives who we have judged to be undeserving of it. I exhort each of us to remember that we ourselves are undeserving of the very gift of grace that we have been offered free of charge.
This holiday season, and throughout the next year, before passing judgment and demanding payment from those who have offended us, let’s endeavor to first extend the gifts of grace, mercy and forgiveness.
May you enjoy a blessed holiday season and prosperous new year.
