Just because we do the right thing, doesn't mean we get the right ending. Such is life. In our relationships, we can give and give and give, and still, sometimes not win over the other person. That's not to say we shouldn't try. We should love as Jesus loved. We should give grace. But we shouldn't become doormats or co-dependent. Sometimes the most graceful thing to do is to walk away from a relationship. To continue to "love" and "give grace" from afar.
In Acts 15, the Apostle Paul and his ministry partner Barnabas have a disagreement. Neither is willing to relent, and so they go their separate ways. Both men of God, both spreading the Word of God. Yet, not together. Still, Paul speaks with esteem and affection about Barnabas in the epistles written after the event. He gives grace to Barnabas, even while choosing not to continue in ministry with him.
Outside of heaven, will we not have perfect relationships. We are not perfect people, and even if we are, we are around other non-perfect people. The only grace that never fails is God's. His grace saves, and never lets us down. We can show love and grace to others, but we must show ourselves that same love and grace. And that means sometimes choosing to walk away.
5 comments:
Studying James in Bible study right now. Talk about differences in ministry. Jewish Christian James vs. converted Christian Jewish Paul--both Christians, yet James a leader of the Jerusalem church and Paul, though a Jew, a preacher to the Gentiles. Yet, the "right hand of fellowship" was extended, as Paul and Barnabas left Peter, James and John and began their ministry. Sometimes, God uses these times of differences to allow a scattering for His blessing. But, as you say, that's His grace making that possible.
i posted on grace today as well. something really opened my eyes to just how graced we are!
very wise for one so young, Ms Kelley
Great biblical example and enjoyed reading Sue J's comment as well.
Viewing grace from a different angle! Good post, Kelly.
"Sometimes the most graceful thing to do is to walk away from a relationship" - powerful statement! I know you are not advocating breaking relationships. Yes, grace is not about being a doormat. It is indeed about doing to others what we them do to us.
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