'Charis"=Grace

When we catch someone doing something wrong what is the first thing that we are inclined to do? We want to correct them or to tell on them. We some how hope that they will get caught or get what they deserve. That is kind of the mantra in our home between my two girls. My two girls that are so close in age are always quick to correct one another. This comes from a competitive nature and a natural longing to be first and the most loved. They are always telling on one another and trying to get each other in trouble. They rarely ever show each other mercy or share grace. You know that is kind of human nature. We are not quick to extend grace because most often we are not willing to accept grace. To be let off of the hook. A few weeks ago I was pulled over for speeding but the policeman recognized me as being a pastor. He said to me, "I do not give pastor's tickets". In all honest, I deserved a ticket but I was shown grace. Did I deserve it? No, I must abide by the law the same as anyone else but this day the policeman extended Grace and I accepted it. This week we will examine a scripture that is about Christ not casting judgement but about him giving grace and calling all of those around him to do the same. Forgiveness is just a part of what we must do as Christians but it does not come easy or natural. He live by that I hope they get what they deserve motto. For some this may even be our mission statement. We gossip and back bite in hopes that the attention is diverted from us and put off on others.
The women was set up and then taken to the feet of Jesus for an exhibition of public stoning. But the king of all kings and judge of all Judges turns the whole thing around and points to the crowd. He calls for Grace and mercy and then he begins to write of the ground. What did he write on the ground? No one knows but I think that he wrote, "Charis". The Greek word for grace. But whatever he wrote that day taught all those around that grace is not deserved but freely given. Join us this week as we take a closer look at "Charis". Who knows you may decide to extend grace.