Grace and Peace

“To all who are beloved of God . . . called as saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” (Romans 1:7)

Oh, how my soul needs grace. It longs and cries out for peace.

Have you ever been reviled? Misunderstood? The object of slander and gossip? Treated unfairly? I have. My darkest hours have been found in that kind of pain. I shake my fist and question God’s justice. I start believing that the only escape (the only way God can fix that kind of pain) is through either changing my situation or silencing the aggressors. But is that truth? Should my grace and peace with God fluctuate in suffering?

Truth: The world is going to hate and reject those who obey and follow Jesus. Why? Because the world first hated and rejected Jesus. (Matthew 10:22, Mark 13:13) The Gospel is offensive. It is a stumbling block and foolishness to those who are perishing. (1 Peter 2:7-8, 1 Corinthians 1:18) Therefore, that necessarily means that the world does not love Christians.

But what happens when it is other brothers and sisters in Christ that hate, reject, misunderstand, and persecute? THAT kind of persecution hurts. (Personally, it sends me into a spiraling depression.) Often these believers end up hurting other believers because they have not sought or spoken truth. They get caught up in gossip (social & "news" media FEEDS that kind of cancerous sin). They react to a situation quickly and angrily. They even uphold ideals (worldly wisdom) that is simply NOT Scripture. Pride gets in the way of love. Hate gets in the way of sharing one another's burdens. Hypocrisy gets in the way of being compassionate, gentle, and patient. Sin gets in the way of living in obedience to the Word of God. Recognizing this kind of persecution (from other believers who are responding sinfully) is important, but also very difficult. Though we should always humbly consider the rebuke of other believers, we must carefully weigh that rebuke in the light of Scripture. Rebuke (faithful wounds of a friend – Proverbs 27:6) is not the same as persecution for the sake of the Gospel.

We often view persecution in the sense of imprisonment, punishment, or death. Many brothers and sisters that have gone before us have met that kind of fate. But what if persecution came in the form of something less obvious? What if persecution was perfectly tailored to personally attack and destroy our souls (our complete joy and peace in Jesus)? We could spend our whole lives preparing to lose jobs or religious freedom for the sake of the Gospel, but are we prepared to uphold Jesus and rest in His promises when the religious (in their ignorance) cry out, "Crucify them!"? What if the religious forever deem you guilty for sins that have already been forgiven and paid through Christ? The enemy is cunning and crafty. He prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8). Whether it be the Jesus haters of the world or other believers reacting sinfully, persecution can hit our hearts like a sledge hammer. It can easily rob us of our peace. But, we must remember that trials, suffering, and hatred are inevitable for those who love and follow Jesus. We are called to suffer faithfully (Romans 12:12) believing Jesus will, and is, making ALL things right. He has the final word.

My soul longs daily for grace and peace. When the recorder in my head starts replaying all the jeers and loops of hate, I need truth . . . JESUS . . . to erase those voices and images. His song of salvation is the only remedy to sweep through the corridors of my restless heart. His grace and peace are NOW and ETERNAL. Jesus is a precious, sympathetic Savior. He understands the shame, loss, and heartache we endure from persecution.

Dear Christian, in Jesus we are FULLY forgiven, FULLY loved, and FULLY accepted. Our souls can finally and forever rest because it is anchored in perfect, abounding peace. Jesus is our peace (Ephesians 2:14).

Psalm 5:11-12:

“But let all who take refuge in You be glad,

Let them ever sing for joy;

And may You shelter them,

That those who love Your name may exult in You.

For it is You who blesses the righteous man, O Lord,

You surround him with [peace] as with a shield.” Psalm 5:11-12

Grace and Peace (Sovereign Grace music):

Grace and peace, oh how can this be

For lawbreakers and thieves

For the worthless, the least

You have said, that our judgment is death

For all eternity

Without hope, without rest

Oh, what an amazing mystery

What an amazing mystery

That Your grace has come to me

______________

Grace and peace, oh how can this be

The matchless King of all

Paid the blood price for me

Slaughtered lamb, what atonement You bring!

The vilest sinner’s heart

Can be cleansed, can be free

Oh, what an amazing mystery

What an amazing mystery

That Your grace has come to me

______________

Grace and peace, oh how can this be

Let songs of gratefulness

Ever rise, never cease

Loved by God and called as a saint

My heart is satisfied

In the riches of Christ

Oh, what an amazing mystery

What an amazing mystery

That Your grace has come to me

Oh, what an amazing love I see

What an amazing love I see

That Your grace has come to me

John 1:14:
“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us,
and we saw His glory,
glory as of the only begotten from the Father,
full of grace and truth.”

Jesus, You alone are grace and peace.