Grace-gifting

Some folks in our congregation have started a ministry that's new to us. Apparently it's being done in a growing number of Jesus-following fellowships. It's called "Bags of Grace." People assemble freezer bags filled with bottled water, some small food items, some over-the-counter first aid items, other things that offer short-term help, and information about area assistance and shelter. Jesus-followers are encouraged to keep a supply of "Bags of Grace" in their vehicles to give to struggling persons who position themselves at intersections, seeking help.

It reminded me of my first contact with the practice of "grace-gifting." I learned it from the minister of discipleship at the church I previously served. She was teaching a class on Christian leadership development. On a hot summer's evening she took us to a park and recreation area where people had gathered for little league baseball games, park activities, etc. We were each given a supply of cold bottled water and we were told to fan out into the crowd and just give the bottles away; no strings attached.

I'll never forget this first experience of grace-gifting. Many people were stunned that we offered the water free. Some insisted that we be paid. Some were suspicious, assuming that we were working some manipulative angle. A few asked who were were, and if they had to come to our church because they took our water. Many were amazed and surprised to receive a gift freely given, not because they earned it or deserved it, but just because. Think how seldom people receive grace of any kind. Whatever we get costs us something. So many of our human contacts beyond our immediate family (and sometimes there as well) are merely business-like exchanges. You do this for me, and I'll do this for you. You give that to me, and I'll give that to you. Nothing is freely given.

All you have to do is give a gift away; even something as simple as a bottle of water. Then you'll see how starved people are to be graced...just because. We who are Jesus-followers say that the thing we offer is called grace. How do we not just talk about that within our own circles, but actually demonstrate that to a world that needs to see Jesus, rather than just to hear about Him?

Weather pending, I'll actually be on a river tomorrow. Rain or shine, I'll see you around the next bend.