Counting the cost

Grace is what transforms us.

The law can't do it. Rules and punishments can't do it.

As Christians, we know this. It's one of the core assertions of the gospel. I've never, ever heard anyone claim to follow Jesus while denying the superior power of grace over law and punishment...

Unless we're talking about parenting. Or politics. Or any other sphere in which we might be the ones handing out grace or judgment.

It's easy to get excited about grace when it's just between us and God. It gets a lot harder when it's between us and other people.

Because grace isn't cheap. Grace means that somebody has to get on a cross.

It is much easier to be on the receiving end of grace than the giving end, but it's a package deal. Forgive us our tresspasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.

If you want to follow Jesus, you have to take up your cross, and embrace the cost of grace.