Read John 1:14-17
From [the Word’s] fullness we have all received grace upon grace. —John 1:16 (CEB)

My granddaughters were to compete in classical ballet. However, before the ballet, we were told that a troupe of five-year-old girls would perform individually. Four girls came on stage, one after the other. Then came the turn for number 5. The music for the dance was “Me and My Teddy Bear.” But no little girl appeared. Instead we heard her crying.

Later in the program all the dancers lined up on stage. To our delight, each little girl was given a medal on a ribbon, including number 5, who, pale and tear-stained, was clutching her teddy bear. We saw no tears now but instead a watery smile.

That’s like grace, I thought. We don’t have to perform; we don’t have to earn God’s approval. Grace is the unmerited love of God. It’s sheer gift, a free expression of God’s love for us.

PRAYER—Dear Lord, we thank you for the riches of your grace. Grant that we may receive these riches graciously and live our gratitude by offering gracious acceptance for those we meet. We pray as Jesus taught us, saying, “Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the Kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.” (Matthew 6:9-13 (KJV)

To receive graciously brings blessings both to those who give and those who receive.