A Place of Grace (Hopefully)
Scripture Reading — Philippians 2:1-4
If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ … then make my joy complete…
Philippians 2:1-2
The woman standing at my door one afternoon was not happy with me. I had left on her “to do” list something that she had hoped to add to mine.
A month earlier she had volunteered to bring refreshments to a Bible study planned for this evening. But here she was, telling me that something had come up and she wouldn’t be able to come this evening.
Normally I would have said, “Okay … thanks for letting me know.” But this day had already been full of inconveniences. I was not in the mood for another. So I told her that it was up to her to find someone else to bring goodies for the group.
I was probably a little short with her. I know that I surprised myself a little.
I also noticed that she was more than a little irritated, and that tonight’s study of Matthew might not be accompanied by snacks at all.
For a few weeks it was clear that her irritation had staying power.
But then, as time passed, she loosened her grip on her irritation. In fact, she eventually became a trusted colleague in ministry!
It may seem a small thing, but her willingness to release her irritation was a wonderful sign that the church can be a place of reconciling grace.
Thank you for gracious people, Lord! They remind us of you, and they call us to be gracious ourselves. In Jesus, Amen.
About the author — David Den Haan
Pastor Dave Den Haan has served at Fairway Christian Reformed Church in Jenison, Michigan, since 1999. Previously he served a church in Minnesota. Dave and his wife, Connie, have three children.
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