There is something I have been working on in myself - it is a desire to see people through God’s eyes rather than my own. I believe one of the ways to accomplish this is, through the extension of grace. I’m working hard at growing and filling my heart with this Christ characteristic.  I once heard grace described as undeserved merit or favor.  I have to stop myself, and remember how God has extended undeserved favor to me, since I handed my life over to him 23 years ago this month.

Where I stumble is, I usually have a deep sense of darkness in people’s lives rather than the tiny little ray of hope that God has peaking around the corner. Sometimes the sadness I feel for people’s distance from God is overwhelming, and it frustrates me that they don’t see their brokenness. There is a deep hurt caused in their marriages and relationships, and they chose to remain stuck. That’s where grace needs to take over in me. I’m working on it, and I’ve asked for accountability in this area of my life.

At the suggestion of a friend, I read a book this month called Stripped: Uncensored Grace on the Streets of Vegas by Jud Wilhite. It is the story of a pastor and his church in the heart of Las Vegas. I love the fact that he calls Vegas, Grace City instead of Sin City.

The book intertwines the stories of people who have been radically changed by God’s grace and who continue to struggle with making changes in their lives that will honor God in the process. It is an awe-inspiring book of acceptance, inclusivity, and grace. Grace is extended in such a way that the people walking through the doors of this church cannot help but know Christ is living and breathing.

If you struggle with grace deficiency in your life, this book is a great way to get filled-up.