The scary thing about God’s grace is this: it’s never-ending. Now, on the surface that sounds like a good thing. But I believe this is something a lot of Christians don’t actually like.
The truth is, the same grace that’s available for the Christian on the beach about to get his head chopped off for his faith in God is available to the ISIS member holding the sword. That’s a crazy thought to me. And I’m not sure I like that thought.
I envision grace like a party. And I know I arrived pretty late to the party. But I still made it, right? Unfortunately, I don’t want anyone who arrives after me to get admission to the party. I mean, I know I was late, but I wasn’t as late as that guy.
Unfortunately, everyone who accepts the invitation to the party gets in. That’s the scary thing about grace.
I’m not saying everyone will get into the party—into heaven. You still have to accept the invitation.
But the thought that God’s grace is available for a guy holding a sword mid-swing is mind-boggling. Even in the middle of the very worst moment in that guy’s life, God’s grace is as available and as full as it will ever be.
Grace like that is completely out of our control. And I don’t know if I like that. It feels completely unfair. God’s grace surpasses politics and morals. It was available to Hitler just like it was to Mother Teresa.
That doesn’t feel right, but that’s the way it is.
So why would I dare not extend that same grace to others. If God can extend his love to the worst of the worst of ISIS, why shouldn’t I give grace to the person who thinks differently than me? Shouldn’t I give grace to the person who lives differently than I do?
What’s scariest about grace is that we’re called to extend this unending grace ourselves.
