Orange Moon Monday, March 3, 2025 “Stewards of Grace”

The Special of the Day… From the Orange Moon Cafe

"Stewards of Grace"      

      God certainly calls born again believers in the Lord Jesus Christ to confess our sins to Him, and when appropriate, to "confess your faults one to another" (I John 1:9; James 5:16).  He does not intend, however, that we constantly bemoan our sins, failures, and weakness in a false humility that draws attention to ourselves, dampens the faith of others, and distracts from the glory of His presence in our lives.

   "As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God" (I Peter 4:10).

    We exist to serve as those who direct focus and faith unto the Lord Jesus' person and work.  This will include times when we share our personal testimony of His long-suffering patience, forgiveness, and faithfulness bestowed upon all believers, none of whom come close to perfection in this present lifetime.  However, overmuch lament expressed regarding our sins and faults does not serve God, others, or ourselves.  "Good stewards" who have "received the gift" rather seek to extol their Lord's perfection, virtue, and faithfulness.  Indeed, even in times when we honestly acknowledge our failings, we seek to do so in a manner that leaves our hearer not dwelling on ourselves, but rather on the God whose gracious mercy redeems and restores.  "O Lord, open Thou my lips, and my mouth shall show forth Thy praise" (Psalm 51:15).

   We do well to tell of how merciful our Lord has been to us, and how much we have needed His undeserved grace in the Lord Jesus.  We do so, however, ever seeking to exalt Him rather than draw attention to ourselves by a bemoaning that does no good and much harm.  We endeavor to emphasize and extol God's mercy and forgiveness even as we bear witness to our need for it.  Only thereby do we truly honor Him, bless others, and experience our Lord's faithful and patient working in our hearts and lives.

"Let the God of my salvation be exalted."

(Psalm 18:46)

"Let the redeemed of the Lord say so."

(Psalm 107:2)

Weekly Memory Verse

   As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God."

 (I Peter 4:10)

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