“I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that was given you in Christ Jesus,”
(1 Corinthians 1:4 ESV)
It is hard to imagine why Paul was telling the Church at Corinth that he was thankful for them. The church in Corinth had serious “issues”. Among them, a man was sleeping with his father’s wife (1 Corinthians 5:1), fellow believers were suing each other (1 Corinthians 6:1), people were getting drunk off of the communion wine (1 Corinthians 11:21), and the list went on. What did he see in those people that made him thankful?
Paul saw what only a follower of Jesus Christ could see; God’s grace at work in their lives. Generally, the more time a person spends with another, the more obvious sin in their life becomes. This can either bring them closer together, or rend them further apart. Unfortunately, in many relationships it does indeed lead to separation or in the least, great mistrust and a pride in one’s life as they judge the other person’s faults.
As we look for God’s grace in the lives of those around us, rather then their faults, we will begin to view them as a blessing in our lives instead of a curse. Seeing God’s abundant grace in others should be what separates the church from those outside of it. We are sinners full of grace, instead of sinners full of pride.
Look for God’s grace in the lives of those around you today.
