Grace is free…but only for the recipient. The grace given cost someone something. The grace we receive from God cost God the life of His Son, Jesus. We accept it freely. We don’t work to earn it. Our  bad deeds don’t disqualify it from us. He loves us and he blesses us with forgiveness freely. But it did cost Him something.

       The same is true of the grace we show others at church. When we volunteer and are kind, welcoming, inviting, high energy and showing love on those who we encounter as we volunteer, they receive it as grace. They say, “I’m new here and didn’t earn your hospitality. But these people went out of their way, above and beyond, to shower goodness down upon me. All I did was show up!” They receive it as grace.

       But it costs us something, doesn’t it? You had to get up earlier, get the kids reader earlier, didn’t get to talk to your friend because you were busy, and had to change a baby’s poopy diaper. Normally, Sunday is refreshing. But this week you’re serving and it costs you. You didn’t have the energy but you greeted with a smile. You wanted to say a quick hi to your friend but helped someone new find the children’s area instead. It cost you to serve.

       Galatians 6:2, “2 Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ.” When you take a burden off someone else (“I’m new to this church and a little nervous”) they receive it as grace. But you are the one bearing their burden (“I’m going to greet them with enthusiasm even though I’m tired). And, here’s the thing, the grace people receive from you on Sunday is powerful. They may need to hear the Gospel. They may need love, comfort, and encouragement. They may need a new relationship with Jesus. The decision to get plugged into a church that can give them what they need starts in the hallway, not with the sermon. You showed them grace, and it might change their life.

       Thank you for paying the price to share grace with others. Thank you for being an indispensable part of the ministry of FCC. Thank you for opening the door for Jesus this week!