In the past couple of weeks I’ve seen several situations around me where ‘Christian’ people have not really responded to life in Christ-like ways.  Shocking!!! I know, right?!?!?!

To be clear…I am one of those Christians on a regular basis and this is something I struggle with that is very close to my heart.  I am thankful for God’s Grace and I wish I didn’t give in to the sin in my life like I do so often.  Sigh.

It’s imperative to remember that WE ARE ALL SINFUL and we are all guilty, but we are not all condemned.

There is, therefore, now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. Romans 8:1-4

Understand that we all deserve death and are never going to be good enough to earn God’s love.  However, Christ was sent by God as a gift to us because He does love us.  Ultimately, we can choose to accept it or not.

But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8

I don’t think it’s any big secret that we, Christians, have a bad rap in the community because many of us aren’t living up to the standards that we place on OTHER PEOPLE.  In actuality, we’ve missed the point.

How strange is that?  We accepted a gift that was FREE to us and then want others to work for it. Sad, but, isn’t it true?

Our expectations that others should think, live, believe like we do is placing us in the judgment seat.

Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye. Matthew 7:1-5

The lack of grace we give each other is indicative of what is in our own hearts.  Moreover, many times we become self-righteous and arrogant, instead of being like Christ: loving and humble.

Sure, our job as Christians is to make disciples of others, but that begins with being the example, not necessarily the mouthpiece.

Unfortunately, my mouth runs away from me on a regular basis.  GRRRR!!!!

Note:  I talk to God about this all the time.  I pray for a change of heart and I pray for forgiveness.  Some days are better than others!

Regardless of who and what others are, we need to ask ourselves, “Who are we?”

So, Who is Meg?

1. Meg is a child of God.
2. Meg is sinful.
3. Meg sometimes doesn’t even try to be better.
4. Meg sometimes tries really hard.
5. Meg believes in Jesus Christ.
6. Meg is loved by God.
7. Meg is forgiven.

My goal is to live like Christ did – and I don’t mean perfectly – but with an abundance of GRACE.

I am forever thankful for the grace God has given me, so it just makes sense to give it to others.

Some Wisdom for Today:  Proverbs 10:12 – Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses.

****Due to new circumstances, I will be posting one GEM each week on Tuesdays.  I apologize for any inconvenience this causes, but I want to make sure I’m giving each GEM my best and I just don’t think I would if I had to write two of them with the limited time I now have.  Thanks for your understanding!!