The First GiftSample

The Gift of Grace

Have you ever received a gift or opportunity that you didn’t expect? Whether you felt as though you didn’t deserve it or wasn’t qualified, sometimes we experience the unexplainable. What we do know is that we tend to be very happy about it. 

In undergrad, someone gave me a bike so I could stay fit. I rode that bike everywhere because it provided so many benefits like reducing my carbon footprint and being active to maintain a healthy body. It also was very convenient to have as a form of transportation, especially if I missed my bus. It helped me arrive at my destination on time because I didn’t have to wait until the next bus came. It also helped me save money because I didn’t have to pay for parking during those days.

Unfortunately, my bike was stolen from our bike rack, outside of our apartment in the spring of 2016. I was sad because I didn’t have that form of transportation or exercise anymore. It was two and a half years later that an avid cyclist began attending our church regularly. One Sunday, he felt compelled to be a blessing to someone. After church, he went home to get his bike and its accessories to bring back to the church. When he returned, he shared with our pastor that he wanted to gift his bike to a member of the church that would benefit from it. 

As I exited the church to the parking lot, my pastor called and said, “Hey Don, do you want a bike?” Immediately, I responded, “Oh, yes I do!” The pastor introduced me to Anthony, the bike owner. He explained that the bike is custom-made to fit a certain height and weight. As God would have it, I was within that same height and weight necessary to be accommodated by the bike. That day, I walked away with a free bike that retails for over $5000. 

What I experienced is The Lord’s grace. Grace is the free and unmerited favor of Jesus that’s often received through blessings and salvation. I did not earn the right to inherit a $5000+ bike; a bike that’s 10 times better than my previous bike. Jesus is in the blessing business, so if we’re made in His image, then we’re in the blessing business too. You are not blessed and highly favored for just your personal gain, but to be a blessing to others. As fathers, we need to bless our children with grace. Whether it’s a prayer, song, or a nice swaddling, we should be extending grace to our children every day of our lives. Our children do not have to earn our grace. There’s nothing they can do to receive our favor and our blessings. Their mere existence and identity are all that’s needed. 

Uncommen Question:

 How can you extend grace to your child before and after their birth?

Scripture References:
Ephesians 2:8-9
Ephesians 4:7