Grace Greater Than Sin - Martin Wiles

When God saw what they had done and how they had put a stop to their evil ways, he changed his mind and did not carry out the destruction he had threatened. Jonah 3:10 NLT

Abraham Lincoln was a busy man during the Civil War—but not too busy for one young man who needed him.

The President often visited the hospitals to cheer up wounded soldiers. On one of his visits, he met a young man who was near death. He asked him, “Is there anything I can do for you?”

“Please write a letter to my mother,” the young soldier said.

Lincoln sat down and wrote what the young man told him. The letter read, “My Dearest Mother, I was badly hurt while doing my duty, and I won’t recover. Don’t sorrow too much for me. May God bless you and Father. Kiss Mary and John for me.”

Too weak to continue, the young man stopped reciting. Lincoln ended the letter with “Written for your son by Abraham Lincoln.” When the young soldier asked to see the note, he was astonished to discover who had shown him such kindness.

“Are you really our President?” he asked.

“Yes,” came Lincoln’s quiet answer. “Now, is there anything else I can do?”

With failing breath, the lad replied, “Will you please hold my hand? I think it would help to see me through to the end.”

And the tall, gaunt man granted his request, offering words of encouragement until the young man took his final breath. Grace.

God showed greater grace than Lincoln. The prophet Jonah ran from God’s initial instructions to preach to the Ninevites. He hated his cruel neighbors. But after a stint in a large fish’s belly, he completed the task. To his surprise, the Ninevites repented. When they did, God forgave them and didn’t send His intended punishment. Grace.

God’s grace shines on all people daily. He shows special grace to His followers, but He also doles out other forms of grace to those who reject Him. None of us deserve it. The Ninevites didn’t. I don’t. Humanity doesn’t. And we can’t earn or buy it. Nor can we outsin it. His grace is forever greater than our sins.

Like Lincoln, God keeps giving grace freely to those who ask. The grace of forgiveness. The grace of second and third and fourth chances. Although we can’t pay God back for His grace, we can show our appreciation by sharing it with others—as Jonah finally did. We can also honor His grace by living a lifestyle that reflects the holiness of God.

Think of one way you can show others the grace of God.

Prayer: Father, thank You for your marvelous grace that covers our sins. 

Tweetable: Have you experienced the greater grace?

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