Long-Suffering and Grace

      God's grace is unfathomable to all those who accept the voluntary ransom of Jesus Christ in our place on the cross, but his grace didn't just start there.  God's grace was extended from the very beginning. When you look at the children of Israel, he didn't choose them for their faithfulness but because he wanted to.  That's grace.  When the Israelites murmured against God, Moses, and Aaron after God freed them from Egyptian slavery, he was angry with them but provided for them.  That is long-suffering and grace.  Every time his chosen people broke covenant with God he renewed it.  That is long-suffering.  God showed his grace and his long-suffering in the old testament.
      How much more do you think God has done for us since redemption has come through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus the Christ? How many times do you think God has forgiven all of those who have asked forgiveness and repented?  How many times do you think God has forgiven you?  When I think about how many times I miss the mark every day, it amazes me that God still allows me to breathe and still brings blessings into my life. When I reflect on the long-suffering and grace of God, it convicts me.  I need to complain less and pray for people more.  This week my temper gave me the blues. It was a struggle for me as a mother with my four year old son.  I was angry and tired all week.  Little geniuses will do that to you if you don't guard your mind, heart, and body. I thank God for his example in the Bible. God's reaction to the Israelites who complained and disobeyed him was full of grace even when he was angry.  His new testament reminders of his unconditional love and all powerful grace. His chastisement  immediately stops when the we open their ears and eyes to him. God suffers the grumblings of the people he delivered, and today he even suffers our willful disobedience.  Lord help me to forgive my son and try to give him my best no matter what. 

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