Recently I've been reading Christian literature. The good stuff. George MacDonald, C.S. Lewis and now Bonhoeffer.
"The Cost of Discipleship" by Dietrich Bonhoeffer.
So far I'm really enjoying it. I've read the intro and a few pages into the first chapter. A chapter entitled 'Costly Grace.'
Grace...
1 a : unmerited divine assistance given humans for their regeneration or sanctification b : a virtue coming from God c : a state of sanctification enjoyed through divine grace 2 a : approval, favor b archaic : mercy, pardon c : a special favor : privilege d : disposition to or an
act or instance of kindness, courtesy, or clemency
Awana definition: God giving us something we don't deserve.
The Lord has been teaching me a lot about grace. About receiving, giving and just in general. Its rough, and hard, and difficult. Yet its beautiful, haunting and freeing. Overall, I'm enjoying it, I know He is molding me.
In the first chapter is a sentance. There are a lot, I know you're thinking, but this one grabbed me. In a way that one hasn't in a while. I stopped, read it again, and again. Then I put book down to ponder some more. Let me share it:
"It was grace because it cost so much, and it cost so much because it was grace."
Go ahead.
Read it again.
Did you?
Try another time.
Let each word go slowly through your mind.
Read it aloud.
Ponder it. Let it soak into your mind.
I'll say it again.
"It was grace because it cost so much, and it cost so much because it was grace."
Isn't that a beautiful, wonderful, haunting thought?
Right now it is my favorite quote.
Its the thought I mull over in my mind.
It serves as a reminder of the gospel. Of all that it is. We are saved through grace, and that grace cost my Savior His life, and My Father great pain.
And it also reminds me of what I need to do, how I need to live.
Grace is a costly thing. Its not easy. Its not supposed to be. That's part of the gift of grace.
Again.
"...and it cost so much because it was grace."
Another quote that sums up what I think I'm trying to say...
"...experience taught him (Martin Luther) that this grace had cost him his very life, and must continue to cost him the same price day by day."
Amen.
So, in closing...go read that quote again. It has the potential to change your perspective...and then maybe your life. Careful ;)
"The Cost of Discipleship" by Dietrich Bonhoeffer.
So far I'm really enjoying it. I've read the intro and a few pages into the first chapter. A chapter entitled 'Costly Grace.'
Grace...
1 a : unmerited divine assistance given humans for their regeneration or sanctification b : a virtue coming from God c : a state of sanctification enjoyed through divine grace 2 a : approval, favor b archaic : mercy, pardon c : a special favor : privilege d : disposition to or an
act or instance of kindness, courtesy, or clemency
Awana definition: God giving us something we don't deserve.
The Lord has been teaching me a lot about grace. About receiving, giving and just in general. Its rough, and hard, and difficult. Yet its beautiful, haunting and freeing. Overall, I'm enjoying it, I know He is molding me.
In the first chapter is a sentance. There are a lot, I know you're thinking, but this one grabbed me. In a way that one hasn't in a while. I stopped, read it again, and again. Then I put book down to ponder some more. Let me share it:
"It was grace because it cost so much, and it cost so much because it was grace."
Go ahead.
Read it again.
Did you?
Try another time.
Let each word go slowly through your mind.
Read it aloud.
Ponder it. Let it soak into your mind.
I'll say it again.
"It was grace because it cost so much, and it cost so much because it was grace."
Isn't that a beautiful, wonderful, haunting thought?
Right now it is my favorite quote.
Its the thought I mull over in my mind.
It serves as a reminder of the gospel. Of all that it is. We are saved through grace, and that grace cost my Savior His life, and My Father great pain.
And it also reminds me of what I need to do, how I need to live.
Grace is a costly thing. Its not easy. Its not supposed to be. That's part of the gift of grace.
Again.
"...and it cost so much because it was grace."
Another quote that sums up what I think I'm trying to say...
"...experience taught him (Martin Luther) that this grace had cost him his very life, and must continue to cost him the same price day by day."
Amen.
So, in closing...go read that quote again. It has the potential to change your perspective...and then maybe your life. Careful ;)