ROL: Grace

Read:

“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” —1 Peter 4:10 NIV

Reflect:

Our Christmas giving is a pale reflection of the life changing gifts our heavenly Father gives to us. Gifts that enable us to bless, to serve, to pass on His grace to others.  

At Christmas I received a lovely gift. Throughout 2020, until October when we moved, my husband Neil had been taking photographs of our garden and the view from the house. He had them made into a booklet for me. Page after page brought me such joy as I remembered the rhododendron, the peonies, the forget-me-nots, the roses that bloomed like never before. A wonderful gift as it helped me to remember that 2020 held color, beauty and light. The darkness is not dark to our Father. 

For me, and I think for many of us, last year was marked by desolation. Reading on to v12 of this chapter Peter tells us that we really should not be surprised by our trials and that we should expect suffering as true followers of Christ. I have to admit that I was taken by surprise by some of what happened to me last year. If you share this feeling, I recommend reading more of 1 Peter. 

Throughout 2020 Jesus was with us. He is with us right now. He is the greatest gift of all. 

Daunted by the future? This verse reminds us of the joy we discover when we use the gifts that God has given us to bless and serve others. A joy that enables us to walk and perhaps even dance to that rhythm of grace.

Prayer of Response:

Father God, Lord Jesus, Holy Spirit, in you there is so much light and beauty and color. Thank you for your love and your grace towards me. I thank you for the gifts you have given to me: loving family and friends, creativity and the appreciation of beauty. Please show me the gifts you have given that enable me to serve others. Please help me to nurture and develop and use those gifts in the coming year. Show me how to dance to the rhythm of your grace.

—Submitted by Elaine Davis
Elaine recently moved to Leamington Spa in the UK. Appreciating God’s grace in helping us find a new flat and make connections with a new church family as well as being nearer to children and grandchildren, though contact is currently limited due to lockdown. Learning to practice hospitality on Zoom!