Applying Grace

How do you figure out how much to give to the Lord?

Perhaps a different question first, “What does it mean to give to the Lord?” (If the only thing that comes to your mind is the Sunday collection, you may need to rethink your giving.)

The Good Samaritan gave up his time, his energy, his money, and probably some supplies he had on hand. I think we would all agree that the Good Samaritan was using gifts (blessings) from God which he then offered to assist the injured man. In other words, he applied God’s grace that had been shown to him.

Someone might think, "The Good Samaritan is a great example, but it was a parable. What about a real-life example?"

King David wanted to build a permanent dwelling for God that would replace the portable tabernacle. The prophet Nathan assured David that he could do so, but God stopped Nathan and said that David’s son Solomon would be the temple-builder instead of David.

Was David disappointed? No, he was not. King David desired to build a temple for God, but God gave an astounding promise to David:

The Lord also declares to you that the Lord will make a house for you. 

—2 Samuel 7:11

God was not referring to a physical dwelling. He was using the word house figuratively for the descendants of David who would reign over Judah. God spoke of David’s son, Solomon:

He shall build a house for My name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. (v. 13)

David was ecstatic. In fact, shortly after that, David applied that gracious promise. David saw the grace of God presented to him, and he wanted to extend grace to someone in a similar way. It was as if he wanted to have the same experience of joyful giving as God. David said,

Is there not yet anyone of the house of Saul to whom I may show the kindness of God? (9:3)

David’s servants found Mephibosheth, the crippled son of his best friend, Jonathan. Mephibosheth was brought to Jerusalem, given the inheritance of King Saul, and given a place at the king’s dinner table as if he was the king’s son.

Did you see the intention of David’s heart? He wanted to “show the kindness of God.” He had received the promises of God, that is God’s kindness, God’s grace. Then, in his heart, he wanted to extend the same grace to someone.

The grace given David was a promise, but one that he would never see fulfilled. Yet, by faith, he accepted the promise as having been fulfilled already, because God keeps His promises.

Are you able to make the same kind of connection between the grace of God and material gifts? Consider Paul’s rhetorical question:

For if we sowed spiritual things in you, is it too much if we reap material things from you? 

—1 Corinthians 9:11

Applied, we, like David, can extend the grace (kindness) of God through our physical gifts. It may be a gift in the Sunday collection, an act of benevolence involving time, effort and/or money, or a gift to a missionary. It is a gift that you give because of the tremendous grace that you have received from God. Are you applying the grace you have so bountifully received?

Take time to read Ephesians 2:1-10. Look for God’s grace, and how you can apply it today.


Mark Stinnett

December 12, 2021

"Delightful!"

It is one of my daughters’ favorite places to eat. So, I’ve been there a few times. I recognized one of the waitresses (Carley) who is about the age of my oldest daughter. As a general rule I tip generously when eating out, thinking, “She is someone’s daughter. I should treat her like I would want folks to treat my daughter.” I often write a short note at the bottom of my receipt to acknowledge the good service I’ve received. (And I never lie; cranky waitresses get no note.)

On one occasion a while back I was at that favorite place for lunch and Carley waited on me. I enjoyed an especially good meal and good service. At the bottom of my receipt, I wrote one word, “Delightful.”

The other day I returned and sat in the same general area and Carley was working. To my surprise she greeted me from across the restaurant and as soon as she could she rushed over to my table and said, “I’ve got to show you something.”

(We all enjoy a little special attention when we go out to eat, but I’ll be honest, it was a little more attention than I expected and I was glancing around to make sure I had a clear path to an exit if necessary.)

Carley pushed through dozens of photos on her phone to show me a picture of my receipt from my previous visit: “Delightful.” Tearing up, she explained that she had been having a bad day and my little one-word note was a real encouragement. She took the picture and kept it hoping that she could share it with me.

Needless to say, THAT made my day!

We sometimes talk about our Christian example and the fact that we never know the lives that we may touch. A good example; a good deed; a kind word...literally…‘a’ kind word.

I’ve always known that my personal ‘tipping policy’ was good because it is ultimately rooted in the words of Jesus: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. (I simply extended its application.)

My experience reminded me of how important it is to treat every person with sincere kindness. People are important. People are valuable. Even when I go out to eat and expect a good meal and expect good service for the money I spend, I encounter real people who are important and valuable in God’s eyes. How do I know this?
Answer: John 3:16.

I was also mindful of the words of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount about His disciples being salt and light. Go back and read what Jesus said about being salt (Matthew 5:13). Look it up and see if He was referring to the flavor-enhancing quality of salt. We who are in Christ are supposed to be salt in this world. That means that we are supposed to make life taste good to those around us.

I don’t know what may come of this seemingly chance encounter. But a door of opportunity has opened for me to say something to Carley about Jesus; all because of a simple kindness based on the Golden Rule.

So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith. —Galatians 6:10 (NASB95)

Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity. —Colossians 4:5 (NASB95)

We ARE salt. 
So, think about being delightfully salty and watch for opportunities that God may bring into your life.