How Can I Repay?

God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God.

Jodi opened the door to Frances, who stepped around the toys littering the entryway. Bouncing one baby on her hip, Jodi closed the door before the other baby could crawl out.

“You certainly have your hands full now that these two are crawling,” commented Frances. She clapped her hands playfully and reached for the baby in Jodi’s arms.

The baby easily left her mother’s embrace and grabbed hold of Frances. Meanwhile, Jodi lifted her teetering son into her arms and beckoned Frances to follow her.

“Frances, you’ve done so much for me,” Jodi began. “Are you sure you want to take the twins again today?”

“I remember what it was like as a young mom,” Frances replied. “And I had a mom living close by who helped out. You don’t have that. Besides, I love taking the babies for a stroll around the park.”

Jodi gathered things into the diaper bag, but she felt the familiar guilt surfacing as she prepared to send her babies off with Frances for the afternoon. How could she ever repay her? The older woman must have sensed Jodi’s hesitance because she put down the baby and wrapped her arms around the young mom.

“Jodi,” she whispered, “I know how hard your days can be, and I just want to show you a little grace. God has blessed me with time and energy to spare. It’s my pleasure to share it with you.”

Grace is given with enthusiasm, goodwill, and no strings attached. The gracious giver has an abundance to offer, and the recipient stands in humble need with no way to repay. Have you ever been the recipient of such grace? You have if you’ve come to Jesus, broken and desperate for forgiveness and mercy. To our great relief, God, who is rich in every resource, graciously gives love, mercy, restoration, peace, and more. Praise your gracious God today. You cannot repay Him, but you can sing His praises.

Rest Assured

Father, thank You for graciously giving me all I need for life. Thank You for fresh starts, new hope, and abundant joy, all gifts of amazing grace!

Rest in Him: Ephesians 2:1-10