Recourse

Posted on August 5, 2021 by Catey Stover in Freedom Fighters

But He gives more grace. Therefore He says:
“God resists the proud,
But gives grace to the humble.”

James 4:6

 

To be a source of help to someone in a difficult situation is often an opportunity to show grace.

“It’s better to err on the side of Grace than to err on the side of judgment” were words given to me many years ago by a very wise man. It’s Biblical principles like these that began to replace worldly principles from my past. Worldly wisdom taught me “Look out for #1 so you don’t step in #2”. Showing grace to one another is a true mark of a Follower of Jesus.

To err on the side of Grace is to give the benefit of the doubt to those who are in need of grace. Terms like “You made your bed, now lie in it” have given way to exhibit grace, where judgment used to abide. The danger in showing grace is that we become vulnerable to disappointment and even embarrassment. The flip side is if we misjudge and go into a protective mode, we then may have an issue with God.

To look at someone with skepticism hinders our ability to give grace. Judgment is usually fueled by pride; we see ourselves as “better than” or in fear of being taken advantage of and looking bad. A lack of grace may also point out a distorted view of the grace given to us by God.

I also think we need to be wise and use discernment, we are not to be enablers and foolishly provide a harmful recourse to an already bad situation. I think it’s more of the giving of our time and efforts to someone who may need another chance. It could be that there are past performances that would normally hinder us to exhibit grace. Our attitude should never be to weigh in on someone to see if they are deserving of our grace, but rather to continue to see ourselves in constant need of God’s grace bestowed on us. When we see ourselves in a proper position of the need of God’s grace and mercy it makes it easier to show grace and mercy.

So keep an eye out for the opportunity to proper “Recourse”, and in the meantime, bask in the goodness of God’s amazing grace. Amen!

 

Written By Rob Russomano: Rob Russomano is married to Terri and serves with her as full-time staff members. He is a graduate of the Colony of Mercy and is available as a speaker of the grace of God with a message of Hope for church events. You can reach him at rrussomano@americaskeswick.org

This Week’s Verse to Memorize:  He who loves his brother abides in the light, and there is no cause for stumbling in him. ¹¹ But he who hates his brother is in darkness and walks in darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes. -1 John 2:10-11