Reconciling Graceਨਮੂਨਾ

Chastening Grace

Each one of us has made mistakes in our lives—bad decisions based on an in-the-moment impulse. Sometimes those mistakes cost us dearly, causing years of deep pain, suffering, and devastating loss. In Genesis, we see Esau give up his long-term inheritance in exchange for a bowl of stew, an object of short-term, immediate gratification.

In my own life, nineteen years ago, I lost my job with the electrical union and decided to sell drugs to make ends meet and provide for my family. As a result of this bad decision, I ended up in prison with a natural life sentence without the possibility of parole. But God got hold of me and chastened me with his loving grace, transforming my heart through years of fiery trials that have shaped my character.

Our choices can evoke God’s discipline, but the good news is that God’s discipline extends from his love and grace. His purpose is to correct, train, and heal his sons and daughters. This requires our enduring faith, trust, and obedience. Our response to God’s chastening is what makes all the difference, that is, whether we receive it as his love or reject it and become bitter.

When self-destructive behavior from our past threatens to re-emerge in our present moments of weakness and temptation, how can we begin to renew our spiritual vitality? By following Jesus Christ and drawing on his strength each day as we walk the straight path (Hebrews 12:13). We pursue peace with all people and holiness so that we might not give up the birthright that is ours only by God’s chastening grace. Today, because I’ve chosen to accept God’s discipline as his love and grace, faithfully enduring pain and allowing it to train me, I now have joy and hope for today and for a better tomorrow.

Prayer

Lord God, cleanse our hearts and remove any roots of bitterness that have grown out of our personal rebellion. Give us a renewed spirit and attitude of mind to be readily open to receive your grace. Teach us to endure the pain and suffering of loss and loneliness, of shame, rejection, and ongoing conflicts in our lives, so that we may be trained by them and yield good, godly character for your glory and for our good. Thank you for your joy and the hope you give us. In Jesus’s name we pray, AMEN.

Author

Marcos Ramirez is a dynamic innovator focused on restorative justice work who is determined to be a repairer of brokenness and a bridge for healing inside and outside prison walls. He is a passionate researcher and writer.