Go Gently

Bring God. I am called to bring the love, the word, the mercy and the grace of God wherever I go and to whomever I meet. I am called to live those things within my heart. If I don’t embrace the love, the word, the mercy and the grace that God freely gives me, I have nothing good to carry to others.

I remember a funny episode of Seinfeld years ago. George purchased a big salad for Elaine, but his girlfriend carried it to her and accepted the appreciation for the gift. George should have received the credit but his girlfriend put herself first.  As usual, comedic banter ensued.

Sometimes I take pride in giving–salads, presents, favors, just about any act of giving can give me an emotional boost.  But no giving can compare with God’s giving, no gifts more precious than His.  He asks me to give to others mercifully in His name. Not my glory, but His, not my triumph, but His. Why? Because others must know Him and see His perfect light. His children must have faith in Him, not me, to be saved and join Him in heaven. Jesus bought for me the gift of eternal life with His own. I accept God’s gifts in His name.

It helps me to think these words: Go gently. It reminds me to put down anything that comes between me and humility in Jesus. For when He comes beside me, I have no need for defending, proving or competing. My ego pales and retreats. It is not my own power I exact, I walk under the wing of His divinity and righteousness. It is Him I carry, it is the power of the living Christ I wield and nothing more. Nothing more is warranted. Nothing more achieves. I go gently and carry the finished work of Jesus.

Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment! James 2:12-13