The Gift We Forget

 

Readings 102426 

Grace is the unearned, 

freely given love, favor, 

and power of God 

extended to us. 

It cannot be earned, 

bought, or achieved. 

It is simply God's gift.

The human soul needs grace 

surely as the body needs air. 

Scripture tells us, 

"Grace was given to each of us 

according to the measure of Christ's gift." 

Yet in our busyness, 

we focus on careers, 

worries, possessions, opinions, 

and endless distractions, 

forgetting the greatest gift 

we have received: 

God's grace.

Jesus reminds us of this 

in the parable of the fig tree. 

The tree had borne no fruit, 

yet the gardener pleaded 

for one more year. 

He would cultivate the soil, 

nourish the roots, 

and give it another opportunity to respond. 

This is a picture of God's mercy. 

He is patient beyond measure, 

constantly giving us opportunities 

to turn back to Him.

But His patience is not meant 

to make us comfortable 

in our distance from God. 

It is meant to lead us to repentance. 

A change of mind, 

a turning around, 

a turning back toward God.

Even when we forget God's grace, 

He does not forget us. 

He continues to call us, 

to pursue us, 

and to give us opportunities 

to bear fruit. 

Life is fragile and brief. 

Today is the day to return. 

Today is the day to receive again 

the grace that has been freely given. 

Repent, believe, and come back 

to the One who has never forgotten you.

Prayer

Gracious Father, 

thank You for the gift 

I could never earn.
Forgive me for the times 

I forget how patient You have been.
Turn my heart back to You, 

and help me bear fruit.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.