“Here, Ed. You remember last year when things weren’t going so well, and you couldn’t make your payments? You didn’t lose your house, did you? Do you think Potter would have let you keep it?”
—George Bailey
Grace is the foundation of genuine faith and Jesus Christ is the Cornerstone to support our grace-lived lives. By grace through faith in Christ, God saves us and forgives our sins (Eph. 2:8-9). This forgiveness is not based on our performance or whether or not we deserve it. God extends his amazing grace to those who believe he exists and rewards those who seek him (Heb. 11:6).
Grace is a supernatural and extravagant gift. The biblical definition of grace is often defined as “unmerited favor” which means God gives or extends us the power to live as his sons and daughters. God takes us into his loving care as sinners, saves us, and begins to transform us. We can live in God’s power and strength in order to become like Jesus and bear witness to his great name. Therefore, we need to choose to follow the Lord’s righteous guidance, because as we do we glorify the Father.
The Hebrew word [hesed] is used in the Old Testament to describe the work of God and his grace. Hesed reveals God’s unfailing love, mercy, and kindness to redeem a sinful humanity. For example, David was given the hesed of God in spite of the adultery and murder he committed; although David did have to face the consequences of his sin. Israel was given the hesed of God for her unfaithfulness and idolatry; but Israel had to face the consequences for her rebellion against God. In the New Testament, the hesed of God sent Jesus to save us by his grace: God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense.
In our lesson today from the movie, “It’s a Wonderful Life,” we know the Bailey family understands the power of grace. They receive it from God and generously give it to others. In the movie, George frequently extends grace on behalf of Bailey Building and Loan. For example, when others are financially struggling, he seeks to patiently work with them and encourage them not to quit. His earthly father did it and George does it. Our heavenly Father does it and we do it.
To highlight grace further, at the end of the movie we see a great deal of grace in action. The sheriff tears up the hate-driven warrant for George’s arrest—grace. The bank examiner who knows eight thousand dollars is unaccounted for actually makes a financial donation to support George and his family—grace. Mr. Welch, the man at Martini’s who punches George in the mouth for the way he talked to his wife on the phone, actually comes to George’s house on Christmas Eve to support the family—grace. And lastly, how about George’s wife, Mary? Earlier that evening, George comes home defeated and has an adult tantrum. He yells at the children, destroys a model bridge in the living room making a huge mess before people arrive, and instead of firing back with that same rage she and the children pray for George—grace.
Everyday God extends mercy and grace to us as his children. We have done nothing to earn it, but God gives it, anyway. Christmastime can be a stressful, frustrating, exhausting, and lonely time for people. Not everyone understands Christmas is about celebrating the Love of God who came down from heaven to save us. They may not really understand their need for salvation or the work of grace. But, maybe they will respond to grace when we share it in kindness. Be kind, today, and bring honor to the Lord’s name.
OT Reading: Psalm 32:5 NLT David receives God’s grace “Finally, I confessed all my sins to you and stopped trying to hide my guilt. I said to myself, ‘I will confess my rebellion to the Lord.’ And you forgave me! All my guilt is gone.”
NT Reading: Ephesians 2:8-9 NLT “God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.
Prayer: Lord, we need to be reminded about the grace we receive each day. You are so generous and good to us as your children. Not only in how you transform and protect us, but how you teach us each day to see life from your perspective and act like you. Please help us be mindful about the power of grace you call us to extend to others. Freely we have received and freely we must give. In Jesus’ name. Amen.