Flawed

My own flaws are very much on my mind today, mainly because the people in my life are so wonderfully forgiving of them. The mercy and grace I am shown week in and week out in my friendships bows my heart down in humility. I am so undeserving.

I live mostly in the community of believers who are so aware of all Christ forgave in them that they live in overflowing generosity and forgiveness to others who are flawed, like me. They make their grace look effortless, but I know sometimes it must cost them. I can only say, “Thank you.” And I must add “Thank you” to The Savior who changed their hearts and planted this overflowing fountain of Grace there where sin used to live. Thank you to the Holy Spirit who prompts their words to be kind and their patience to be rich and not stingy.

I say “Thank you” to God who inspired the authors of every book of the Bible to show us flawed people, real people, whom God loved and favored and showed mercy to. Thank you, God, for not allowing the authors to hide their flaws, their sins, and their moments of shame. Thank you for showing how after all they did that they were the apple of your eye, your beloved, you treasured children you paid a King’s ransom for. Thank you that you love me that way after all the moments of disappointment I have brought you. Thank you that as I sit here flawed and being reminded by Satan of every failure and every time I have let you down that all I feel is loved—loved richly, extravagantly, and beyond human understanding.

Thank you that you did not hide David’s adultery, Peter’s temper, Paul’s murderous past, and Rahab’s lifestyle. Thank you for showing me how you used these flawed people for Kingdom purposes and to your eternal glory. Thank you for showing me that they were each perfectly fitted to bring you glory and honor in the circumstances and eras where you placed them. They were perfect, because you made them perfect. They give me hope that you can use a flawed person like me.

My selfish prayer is that I can be used in the ways you most want for me in my life. I also pray that instead of seeing the flaws in others that every day I will learn to see my brothers and sisters more the way you see them. You did not see Paul as a murderer but as your most valiant missionary chosen to evangelize the world. You did not see Peter as a hot-head, but as a man you could trust to be used to build The Church. You looked beyond David’s and Rahab’s sinful present to the glorious, brave future you had for them as they allowed you to use them. I want to see beyond circumstances and flaws to the future you have planned for The Church and each sister and brother you bring into my life.

Please, Lord, help me not to miss it.